Although the novel presents multiple viewpoints, readers' sympathy for Jerry is sustained through pivotal moments that consistently occur throughout the narrative. These instances set Jerry apart from other characters, as he is uniquely portrayed with a life outside of school and the chocolate sale. While some minor characters are shown in non-school environments, they are typically involved in phone conversations about the sale or biking to find chocolate buyers. In contrast, Jerry's personal life is more deeply explored—he grieves for his late mother, feels contempt for his pharmacist father's dull existence, shows interest in a girl at the bus stop, and glances at adult magazines. Most significantly, Jerry harbors noble ambitions. He aspires to join the football team and is inspired by a poster in his locker to stand alone and challenge the status quo. The novel's structure increasingly highlights the narrative as a battle between individuality and authority. The persistent presence of physical bullying at school, personified by Emile Janza, intensifies the expectation of a climactic showdown in this broader conflict.