When the narrative first introduces Tod, he characterizes himself as a bully who is angry at his neglectful mother, at other students whom he sees as inferior or stupid, and at the school that has unsuccessfully tried to reform him against his will. His first journal entries are hateful, dark, and sarcastic. He antagonizes Mrs. Woodrow and the entire idea of writing in a journal because he sees it as pointless: “I know what you think. You think I’m fixable, don’t you? You want to fix the bad guy” (7). Because the novel is written from Tod’s perspective in a diaristic format, the novel portrays an intimate depiction of how he sees himself: the villain, the monster, and the irredeemable delinquent.

However, as the novel continues and reveals more of Tod’s story, his characterization begins to shift. It is clear that his mother isn’t purposefully neglectful; she works long hours to make ends meet and is frustrated with Tod’s behavior. Other students are wealthy, spoiled, and privileged. They taunt Tod because of his weight, socioeconomic status, and perceived lack of intelligence. Even the lunch lady and janitor ridicule Tod’s appearance.