with Gretchen, another runner.  She likes to point out what she sees as inferiority in Gretchen to make herself feel better about her own life, as children will do.  For instance, she points out Gretchen’s “short legs” and freckles.

Another point of contention seems to be that Squeaky has few friends.  She calls Gretchen’s friends “sidekicks” and none of them are very nice to Squeaky.  All of this likely stems from the race rivalry and her brother’s unusual behavior.  Children can sometimes be cruel.  Squeaky is especially concerned that one of the girls, Mary Louse, used to be her friend and no longer is, and the other one makes fun of Raymond even though she is fat.

Rosie, who is as fat as I am skinny … has a big mouth where Raymond is concerned and is too stupid to know that there is not a big deal of difference between herself and Raymond and that she can’t afford to throw stones.

Squeaky believes that Rosie should not make fun of Raymond because as a fat girl she also gets made fun of and should know better.

On the day of the race, Squeaky (who wants everyone to call her by her real name, Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker), is obsessed with looking for Gretchen.  While running the race, she notices her brother racing alongside her and gets excited. Suddenly, she gets some perspective.  She realizes that there is more to life than fighting.  She decides it doesn’t matter if she wins or not.  When she does win, she concedes that Gretchen has some skill.

And I look over at Gretchen … And I smile. Cause she’s good, no doubt about it. Maybe she’d like to help me coach Raymond; she obviously is serious about running, as any fool can see.

They smile at each other, and Squeaky notes that it is a real smile.  The rivalry has ended because they have respect for each other.  Each one acknowledges that they have accomplished something.  Squeaky sees Gretchen as something other than a mean girl, and looks past imagined faults.  She sees her as a person.

This story is really a coming of age story about a girl facing real responsibilities before she is able to handle them, and trying to come to terms with them.  Trying to take care of an older brother at Squeaky’s age has made her harsh.  It has made her shut people out.  Seeing Raymond run made Squeaky realize that she could reach him, and it gave her a common ground with which she could reach other people too.  Running because her connection to not just Raymond, but Gretchen too.  Ironically, one of the things that was keeping them from being friends became what brought them together.

In “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara, Squeaky and Gretchen possess several different character traits.

Squeaky is boisterous, outwardly competitive and fiercely loyal to her brother, Raymond. When provoked, Squeaky is liable to pick a fight and run away while showing her distain for her adversaries. Running is her outlet and her passion, and she practices constantly. Practice is all consuming for Squeaky which leaves her little time to develop true friendships, which is something she lacks the social skills to do.

“I always win cause I’m the best,” I say straight at Gretchen who is, as far as I’m concerned, the only one talking in this ventrilo-quist-dummy routine. Gretchen smiles, but it’s not a smile, and I’m thinking that girls never really smile at each other because they don’t know how and don’t want to know how and there’s probably no one to teach us how, cause grown-up girls don’t know either.

On the other hand, Gretchen, while devoted to her running, is quieter about her practice. She is the “new girl” in town but has amassed a posse of Squeaky’s former companions. Gretchen shows her dislike of Squeaky with her looks of disgust when they meet on the street. As flashy as Squeaky is, Gretchen is just the opposite with her quiet aloofness.

Gretchen and Squeaky both are dedicated, particularly to running.  The compete well in the race, and have respect for each other becaue they are equal and fair competitors.   They also have a sense of self-assurance and pride - unlike the other girls, such as Mary Louise, they do not need to make fun of others to feel good.  They stand on their own and are good leaders.

In "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara, Squeaky is practicing her running in preparation for the May Day Race. She has her brother, Raymond, with her, and as they stroll along Broadway Street, Squeaky sees Gretchen, Mary Louise, and Rosie coming in the opposite direction. Squeaky's first instinct is to avoid them by ducking into the candy store, but she quickly changes her mind.

"First I think I'll step into the candy store and look over the new comics and let them pass. But that's chicken and I've got a reputation to consider." (Bambara 5)

Squeaky then thinks that she will just keep going and walk "straight on through them or over them if necessary." (Bambara 5) The girls slow down right before they meet up with Squeaky, and Squeaky is prepared to fight them. The other girls proceed to ask Squeaky if she's going to compete in the race this year, and then Rosie adds that she doesn't think Squeaky will win--insinuating that Gretchen is the better runner. Squeaky counters that she always win, but now the challenge is on and the plot is moved forward.

Squeaky has the reputation of being the fastest girl in her age group and always takes first place at local races. She is depicted as a confident, driven young girl, who is extremely competitive. As the May Day races approach, there is a new competitor who threatens Squeaky's reign as her age group's fastest runner. In the short story, Gretchen is the new girl, who also has the reputation of being a fast runner. Since Gretchen is new, Squeaky is unsure about her abilities but remains confident that she can beat her. When Squeaky initially meets Gretchen, Gretchen is walking with Squeaky's enemies, who also happen to be her former friends. Despite the fact that Gretchen does not say a word to Squeaky, her presence is intimidating. When Squeaky declares that she will take first place again, Gretchen simply smiles and doesn't feel threatened by Squeaky's confidence. Overall, Gretchen's approach causes tension because she is a new girl, who will be competitive and challenge Squeaky at the upcoming May Day races. Gretchen is also not intimidated by Squeaky and is walking with Squeaky's enemies when they initially meet.

This is a subjective question—based on one's personal opinion. To me, it would seem that there are only two possible outcomes. The conflict will either continue or be resolved if the relationship between the girls changes for some reason.

In Toni Cade Bambara's "Raymond's Run," there are a couple of reasons at the start of the story to believe that nothing will change between Squeaky and Gretchen. First, Gretchen is relatively new to the neighborhood and the reader discovers that at least one of Squeaky's friends has left to hang out with Gretchen instead.

There is also a sense of competition between the two girls because Gretchen is also a runner. The enmity between the two girls is supported by what Squeaky sees as Mr. Pearson's ridiculous suggestion:

"That new girl should give you a run for your money." He looks around the park for Gretchen... "Wouldn't it be a nice gesture if you were...to ahhh..." 

I give him such a look he couldn't finish putting that idea into words. Grownups have a lot of nerve sometimes... [I] stomp away, I'm so burnt.

However, the very competition that exists between them brings something new to Squeaky's mind, foreshadowing a change between them even before the race begins: 

...I see Gretchen standing at the starting line, kicking her legs out like a pro.

Running is one of the most important things in the world to Squeaky, and she notices that Gretchen, in preparing for the race, also knows what she is doing.

The next observation clarifies more clearly what the end of the story might hold with regard to the conflict that exists with these girls:

...here comes Gretchen walking back...huffing and puffing with her hands on her hips taking it slow, breathing in steady time like a real pro and I sort of like her a little for the first time.

Because the reader knows how central running is to Squeaky and to her sense of accomplishment that validates her sense of self-worth, the one thing that would impress her more than anything is to see someone else with the same dedication to running and the skill to excel at the sport. After all, it is this realization that draws her attention to Raymond, seeing him in a new light after she watches him run. 

With Squeaky's reflections in mind, we can postulate—immediately after the race—that what the girls have in common will overshadow the differences between them, and the conflict will be resolved. 

Squeaky tells readers specifically what her mother doesn't like about her. A major area of conflict is that Squeaky is serious about her running. She's so serious that she practices form and strength exercises every chance that she has. Her mother thinks it's embarrassing.

I’ll high-prance down 34th Street like a rodeo pony to keep my knees strong even if it does get my mother uptight so that she walks ahead like she’s not with me, don’t know me, is all by herself on a shopping trip, and I am somebody else’s crazy child.

The previous example actually highlights the root of the conflict that exists between Squeaky and her mother. Squeaky is a tomboy. She likes running and competition. Additionally, she's aggressive and not a person likely to back down from a confrontation. She's not a "girly girl," and that is what her mother would like Squeaky to be. Squeaky's mother would love for her daughter to wear a pretty dress and participate in the "May Pole" dance. Squeaky, on the other hand, wants absolutely nothing to do with something so feminine. She thinks that kind of thing is just ridiculous.

The biggest thing on the program is the May Pole dancing, which I can do without, thank you, even if my mother thinks it’s a shame I don’t take part and act like a girl for a change. You’d think my mother’d be grateful not to have to make me a white organdy dress with a big satin sash and buy me new white baby-doll shoes that can’t be taken out of the box till the big day. You’d think she’d be glad her daughter ain’t out there prancing around a May Pole getting the new clothes all dirty and sweaty and trying to act like a fairy or a flower or whatever you’re supposed to be when you should be trying to be yourself, whatever that is, which is, as far as I am concerned, a poor black girl who really can’t afford to buy shoes and a new dress you only wear once a lifetime cause it won’t fit next year.

Squeaky is Raymond’s younger sister in “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara. The two characters have many differences in the story.

Raymond is Squeaky’s older brother. He lives with a developmental disability. He needs constant care and direction to ensure his safety in their Harlem neighborhood. Occasionally, he creates a stir with his escapades of running through pigeons and upsetting people in his wake. Other times, Squeaky has to corral him away from the curb for his own safety.

Squeaky is a spunky, spirited young girl with a fiery personality. She takes her role as Raymond’s caregiver seriously, but rarely sees him as a person with potential. She is dedicated to her running, unafraid to fight when defending her brother, and has an inquisitive mind filled with opinions. She is not a “girly” girl, preferring to demonstrate her athletic prowess through her running. In addition, she values the phrase “practice makes perfect.” Because of her attitude, neighborhood interactions, and family responsibilities, she is a bit of a loner.

It is not until the end of the story that Squeaky changes to show a more understanding, accepting side to her personality, This occurs when Raymond completes his unofficial, but successful, run at the May Day race, and Gretchen comes in a close second to Squeaky. The reader sees Squeaky’s attitude change as Raymond shows his innate potential. He is no longer just her responsibility; he is her brother who has the ability to be a great runner. Also, Squeaky sees she can become friends with other girls. Although she may be selective, she thinks there is a possibility of being true friends with Gretchen.

In Toni Cade Bambara's short story, "Raymond's Run," Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, also known as Squeaky, is the narrator. She has many strong characteristics that cause conflicts in this story.

Squeaky is intensely focused. Her main goal is to be the fastest runner, and she wins every race she can take part in. She practices running everywhere she goes, saying, "I never walk when I can trot." She also practices breathing exercises and high-stepping, which strengthens her knees. This creates conflict with her mother when she goes shopping with her. Her mother is embarrassed about her odd behavior and acts like she doesn't know her.

I’ll high-prance down 34th Street like a rodeo pony to keep my knees strong even if it does get my mother uptight so that she walks ahead like she’s not with me, don’t know me, is all by herself on a shopping trip, and I am somebody else’s crazy child.

Squeaky is also bold and sassy. This creates conflicts because she is poised for a fight in nearly every interaction she has with people. This creates conflict when she encounters Gretchen and her sidekicks. 

I’m ready to fight, cause like I said I don’t feature a whole lot of chit-chat, I much prefer to just knock you down right from the jump and save everybody a lotta precious time."

Squeaky also has a big ego, and this creates conflict in the story. She doesn't like idle chit-chat, and she can't bear with girls who act with false modesty. She knows she is the fastest runner in her neighborhood, and she flaunts that. 

"I always win cause I’m the best," I say straight at Gretchen who is, as far as I’m concerned, the only one talking in this ventrilo-quist-dummy routine. Gretchen smiles, but it’s not a smile, and I’m thinking that girls never really smile at each other because they don’t know how and don’t want to know how and there’s probably no one to teach us how, cause grown-up girls don’t know either. Then they all look at Raymond who has just brought his mule team to a standstill. And they’re about to see what trouble they can get into through him.

"What grade you in now, Raymond?"

"You got anything to say to my brother, you say it to me, Mary Louise Williams of Raggedy Town, Baltimore."

"What are you, his mother?" sasses Rosie.

"That’s right, Fatso. And the next word out of anybody and I’ll be their mother too.”

Squeaky is also fiercely protective of her brother Raymond, who has an extra large head and is mentally challenged. She refuses to allow anyone to talk down to—or about—him. She stands ready to fight for him against anyone, and doesn't let Gretchen and her friends address him directly.

Squeaky’s inner conflict, loyalty, and attitude create conflict with the other children in “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara.

Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, who is known as Squeaky, is small in stature but big on attitude. She is fiercely loyal to her developmentally disabled brother, Raymond. Her only family responsibilities are to care for Raymond, and to keep him safe. When other children mock Raymond, she takes her job of defending him seriously. Squeaky would rather fight and run than reason with people who poke fun at Raymond based on his disability.

But now, if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his big head, they have to come by me. And I don’t play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I am a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice, which is how I got the name Squeaky. And if things get too rough, I run.

Her attitude about practicing to succeed also causes conflict. She cannot deal with the other girls who pretend they do not need to practice to be good at things such as playing the piano or excelling at spelling bees. Squeaky takes pride in her practice regimen that leads to her success as the fastest runner in the neighborhood. She cannot abide by false bravado.

Now some people like to act like things come easy to them, won’t let on that they practice. Not me.

In addition, Squeaky believes there are few role models for young girls to become real friends. In her mind, girls even have a hard time simply smiling at each other. She despises when girls are expected to be something they are not, and uses the example of her discomfort when she danced in the May Day festivities. Even though she was young, she realized girls were often asked to hide their true passions, such as running. This creates conflicts with her parents, especially her mother.

The biggest thing on the program is the May Pole dancing, which I can do without, thank you, even if my mother thinks it’s a shame I don’t take part and act like a girl for a change.

Squeaky is so engrossed by her inner conflict that she neglects to see the abilities of others. After the May Day run her feelings begin to slowly change.

Squeaky and Gretchen are rivals. As such, there is a powerful urge in each girl to be the best in what she does so that she can feel superior to the other. But their rivalry is ended by an impressive run by Raymond.

When Squeaky and her brother Raymond "stroll" down Broadway as she does her breathing exercises, they encounter Gretchen and "her sidekicks," Mary Louise, a former friend of Squeaky's, and Rosie. 

So they are steady coming up Broadway and I see right away that it's going to be one of those Dodge City scenes....

Squeaky suggests that there is going to be a confrontation. As the girls approach Squeaky, they slow down. Squeaky is ready to fight, but Mary Louise only asks Squeaky if she is going to sign up for the May Day races. Rosie offers a challenge as she suggests that Squeaky will not win. But Squeaky will not be intimidated. She responds, "I always win cause I'm the best."

When May Day arrives, Squeaky takes her time getting to the park since the track meet is the last thing on the program for the day. When she does arrive, Squeaky looks around for her rival, Gretchen. Mr. Pearson, who pins the numbers on the competitors, taunts Squeaky, "That new girl should give you a run for your money." Then as he starts to suggest that Squeaky allow Gretchen to win, he abruptly stops and does not finish his sentence, because Squeaky gives him a threatening look. Angrily, she pins her number onto her shirt and stretches out on the grass. She sees Gretchen at the starting line. As the race begins, Squeaky passes many of the runners. She sees Gretchen with her chin out. At the same time, Squeaky notices her brother Raymond running on the outside of the fence. Suddenly, she realizes that Raymond "would make a very fine runner." This sudden thought distracts Squeaky from her intense competition with Gretchen. Instead, she describes her new mood:

And I'm smiling to beat the band cause if I've lost this race, or if me and Gretchen tied, or even if I've won, I can always retire as a runner and begin a whole new career as a coach with Raymond as my champion.

This new realization about her brother's talent distracts Squeaky from her rivalry with Gretchen. When she wins, Squeaky jumps up and down, but her elation is because of Raymond's impressive running. No longer so concerned about Gretchen, Squeaky smiles at her rival, who wins second place. Gretchen responds to Squeaky's smile by nodding to her. "We stand there with this big smile of respect between us." Their relationship improves to a real friendship. 

Gretchen and Squeaky do not so much dislike (though Squeaky thinks of it in those terms) each other as rightly perceive each other as rivals. Both have dominant personalities: Squeaky does not hesitate, from her own telling, in asserting herself physically against other girls by beating them up, and Gretchen is the leader of a group of girls she walks around the streets of Harlem with. Squeaky treats some of the other girls in Gretchen's group with disdain by ignoring them, but she will engage with Gretchen, a girl she respects.

By the end of the story, Squeaky consciously recognizes Gretchen as a person who takes running seriously, just as Squeaky does. She acknowledges this after she and Gretchen both cross the finish line at nearly the same time, making the May Day race a sort of photo finish. Squeaky, who says she originally disliked Gretchen, thinks as she watches Gretchen breathing "like a real pro,"

I sort of like her a little for the first time.

Squeaky and Gretchen exchange something akin to a "real" smile as Squeaky wins the race and Gretchen comes in second. For the first time, Squeaky is starting to be able to see another girl not as a rival but as a potential friend, thinking that she will ask Gretchen to help her coach Raymond in running.

The conflict between Gretchen and Squeaky in "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara does, as aszerdi suggests, center around running. Squeaky, of course, works diligently and consistently on her running. She is fast and she always wins her races. Squeaky describes her situation this way:

I’m the fastest and that goes for Gretchen, too, who has put out the tale that she is going to win the first-place medal this year.

On the day of the race, Gretchen is waiting at the starting line, and she does appear to be Squeaky's most serious competition. Squeaky sees her "standing at the starting line, kicking her legs out like a pro," and she knows Gretchen is also running to win.

Both girls cross the finish line but it is a close finish and neither of them knows which girl won until the names are announced over the loudspeaker. Squeaky won and Gretchen came in second. Squeaky has a bit of an epiphany during the race, and she is now considering stopping her running and training her mentally challenged brother, Raymond. She thinks perhaps Gretchen might be able to help her do that, as well. 

Though the two girls are certainly rivals on the track and that creates a conflict, there does not seem to be much real animosity between Squeaky and Gretchen.

In “Raymond’s Run,” Toni Cade Bambara exposes a number of Squeaky’s character traits during her encounter with Gretchen and her “sidekicks.” As Squeaky and her brother walk down Broadway, they walk close to the buildings, which keeps Raymond’s behavior under control. 

When Squeaky sees Gretchen and her girl group approaching, she has to decide whether to face them, or to step into a store for a few minutes. True to Squeaky’s feisty spirit, she chooses to engage in banter with them. Gretchen’s friends ask facetious questions about the race and about Raymond. Squeaky’s motherly instincts toward her brother are exposed. She calls the other girls names and threatens them. When it comes to Gretchen, the two girls silently give each the once over. Gretchen gives Squeaky a false smile before the girls walk away. There is a glimmer of respect between the two, and they make an unconscious decision to let the race decide their relationship.