The Danger Word: character growth

The characterization of Kendrick in this story is very dynamic. In the beginning, Kendrick is introduced to be a very timid child. Understandably, he is very distraught and scarred from the attacks on his parents, which results in him pulling further into his shell. He seems to be defined by his fear, not even speaking. "Some things couldn't be said out loud, and some things shouldn't. There was more to talking than most people thought. A whole lot more" (p.19). He represses his thoughts and does not speak. Kendrick tends to silently observe, rather than speak up. This is something that Grandpa Joe is trying to fix; he is trying to get Kendrick to find courage and speak up when it is necessary. There is much character growth in Kendrick throughout the story. After Grandpa Joe is bitten, Kendrick displays a tremendous act of courage in shooting and killing Mike. Grandpa Joe takes on a tone of surprise when he realized it was indeed the boy that killed the zombie. This is the first major action that indicates Kendrick coming out of his reserved shell. Then in the very last paragraph of the story, a clear transformation of Kendrick is seen when he hears someone in the woods. "'I have a gun! I'll shoot!' Kendrick called out, and this voice was very different from the one he'd used to ask Grandpa Joe for a Coke. Not a little girl's voice this time, or even a boy's. It was a voice that meant what it said" (p. 36). Kendrick turned from a timid, afraid little boy, into a grown, very capable being. This is symbolic of human capability to step up and rise to the occasion that is required of them. Regardless of whether they think they are "ready" or not, in the time of need, one will find that the courage is present, and they will do whatever it takes to survive.