The Arizona Kid isn't brimming with a multitude of characters; however, the select few who grace its pages wield significant influence over the unfolding drama, much like a well-rehearsed ensemble cast. At the heart of this tale stand Billy, Cara Mae, Lew, and Wes, while Abby and the other adults add depth as essential yet secondary figures.

Billy's Journey

As the narrator, Billy steps into the spotlight, becoming the character the reader becomes intimately acquainted with. In his self-portrayal—"Billy Kennedy, the shrimp. Good grades, good outside shooter, fair shortstop, sense of humor, okay guy in general. Virgin"—he highlights traits he deems his defining features. In focusing solely on these attributes, Billy undervalues himself, mirroring the self-doubt plaguing many teens. Yet, beneath this surface, Billy exhibits honesty, generosity, intellect, and a caring nature resilient against impulsive urges. His courage emerges at pivotal moments: confronting Fletcher and Grif as they intrude upon The Dark Mirage's paddock before the race, and standing by Wes when he faces harassment post-healing service. Billy's intelligence and thoughtfulness shine around Cara Mae; he's wise enough to insist on protection during intimate moments and kind enough to articulate her unique allure, making her feel cherished. In essence, Billy embodies the adolescent struggle with self-confidence, masking a remarkable individual behind a timid exterior.

The Enigmatic Uncle Wes

If one views The Arizona Kid through a fantastical lens, Wes emerges as the enchanting uncle who, with a flick of whimsy, bends the rules to grant the protagonist an adventure. Wes bestows upon Billy employment at Jack Ferguson's, a pair of mirrored shades, Tony Lamas boots, access to a van—an experience denied by the family car until he turns eighteen—and an abundance of freedom. Wes is a fountain of humor, intrigue, and wisdom, eager to share his world with Billy, yet he carries the weight of deeper contemplation. The shadow of the AIDS crisis looms large, prompting him to ponder his mortality and the fragility of those he holds dear. He confides in Billy that the hotline work provides solace—no longer channeling his anxiety "by prowling around the men's department at Goldwater's with a charge card in both hands"—yet the loss of friends still shakes him with fear and sorrow.

Complexities of Cara Mae

Cara Mae is vividly portrayed through the eyes of those around her. To Billy, she is both strikingly beautiful and fervently passionate, brimming with "big feelings." Her response to losing a bet on Moon's Medicine is so profound that Billy's words fail to console her. Lew acknowledges her skill as a rider, albeit "a handful." Cara Mae herself labels herself a "real nutcase." She battles with low self-worth, seeking refuge in drugs and alcohol to numb her persistent sadness. Yet, her loyalty is unwavering, and her aptitude for appraising horses is remarkable. It is Cara Mae who first notices the flaws in French Bred, inspiring confidence in The Dark Mirage's chances. Despite her struggles, Cara Mae is driven, with a clear vision of her desires and a relentless work ethic to achieve them.

The Unlikely Friendship of Lew and Billy

At first glance, Lew and Billy appear an unlikely pair—Billy, the short, self-conscious boy, and Lew, towering at six feet, clad in paratrooper boots, fatigue pants, a torn T-shirt, and sporting a skull earring. Yet, a genuine friendship blossoms between them. Billy hails from a loving, middle-class family with collegiate aspirations, while Lew's background is marred by dysfunction. His father is a legal researcher obsessed with paramilitary survivalism, and his mother is a shadowy figure, retreating into a haze of marijuana and music. Lew himself is convinced...