Narrator

He hasn't spoken to Sonny in a long time

Sent Sonny a letter, which made him feel like a bastard after Sonny's response

He has never had a "serious talk" with Sonny

Becomes a father-figure to Sonny

He was able to escape Harlem by joining the military

Takes over the part of a father, once his parents pass away.

He was not the "favorite"

Learned about the brother his dad had prior to his mom's passing

After the military he married Isabel

He confides in his wife, she makes him feel comfortable after Sonny moves in

He is not able to provide unconditional love; his wife displays that.

He provides for his family, and believes in the traditional role

When he reads the newspaper about Sonny being arrested in the raid, he starts to see his students the same way.

He sees every teen in a different prespective of someone who is suffering or fighting a drug problem.

He is guided by rules and doing what he thinks he should do - therefore, he makes a good teacher.

Fights with himself regarding how he feels about Sonny and his music career

He doesn't seem to understand Sonny as well as he should, as an older brother.

He tries not to acknowledges the community's dark side, which is poverty, crime, and drug abuse. He keeps these issues at an arm's length until he reads about Sonny in the newspaper and contacted him.

He is constantly torn by his emotions, which shift quickly from love to hate, concern to doubt.