Scrawl

Tod is the eighth-grade protagonist of the novel who is writing his story in journal entries to confront the consequences of his actions. Although Tod is an anti-hero and unreliable narrator, he claims that he is being honest in his writing. At school, Tod is known for being a thief and a violent and fearful bully, and at first, he seems proud of his reputation. He gets into trouble with his friends, and he has something mean to say about everyone. He is angry at his teachers, peers, and the school environment, where he is constantly at odds with the armed security guards. At home, Tod lives in poverty with his mother and her husband, Dick. Tod’s mother is always busy trying to make ends meet with her job as a tailor, while Dick works in landscaping. They both force Tod to help with their work and put Tod’s wages toward household expenses. Tod refuses to speak about his father, although his entries suggest that his father left the family when Tod was younger. Tod’s home is cramped and cold. He is always hungry and looking for his next meal. Tod’s hunger is easy for others to ignore or ridicule because he is large. This has led to issues with low self-esteem, which is redirected outward to bullying other students. Frustrated with how he is treated at home and school, Tod’s has become aggressive, hateful, and darkly sarcastic.

Nevertheless, through his journal entries, Shulman characterizes other sides of him. He is secretly observant and intelligent, always making the honor roll with high grades even though he plays dumb for everyone else. He helps Bernie by protecting him from other bullies, doing his homework, mending his coat, and showing concern for Bernie’s sick mother. He admires and protects Luz’s work, and he keeps his word by helping with the play’s costumes. He shows concern and respect for Mrs. Woodrow. In the end, the narrative reveals that Tod has been cyberbullied himself, and Tod confesses that he only bullies wealthy, mean kids for their money so that he can eat. Therefore, Tod’s aggression is portrayed as a cry for help and part of his struggle to survive. Although this doesn’t justify his behavior, by the end of the novel, the narrative highlights that Tod has been pigeonholed into the stereotype of the “big bully.” His teachers and peers assume and expect the worst of him without caring about his motives, so Tod has bitterly played this role. When he finally gets recognition for his work with the costumes, Tod is vindicated and more confident. Cutting ties with his old friends Rex and Rob, as well as developing his relationships with Luz and Mrs. Woodrow, helps him not feel so hopeless about school. He ultimately learns that he doesn’t have to be what others tell him that he is, and his character development follows an arc of redemption.