abstract profiles of main characters Byron and Mark

That Was Then, This Is Now

by S. E. Hinton

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That Was Then, This Is Now Questions on Bryon

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That Was Then, This Is Now

In That Was Then, This Is Now, Bryon's evolving relationship with Cathy highlights his journey towards maturity. Initially, he is drawn to her straightforward, down-to-earth nature, which contrasts...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

In That Was Then, This Is Now, Bryon Douglas and Mark Jennings are central characters whose diverging paths highlight themes of change and morality. Bryon is dynamic, evolving from a carefree youth...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Byron in "That Was Then, This Is Now" is portrayed as a complex character with traits like rebelliousness, loyalty, and a sense of protectiveness towards his friends. His self-perception changes...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Exact page numbers in That Was Then, This is Now vary by edition, but similes and metaphors are frequently used, particularly in the first chapter. Bryon often compares Mark to a lion, using both...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon and Mark share a foster mother, Mrs. Douglas, and initially enjoy the same activities, such as hustling pool players. They both care for Mrs. Douglas and seek ways to support her during her...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon and Mark search for M&M at a hippie commune located in an old, once-classy part of town. Mark suspects M&M is at Red's house, where many hippies live and experiment with drugs. They...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Mark and Bryon hustle two rough-looking Texans at Charlie's bar in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in an attempt to earn money playing pool. This decision leads to a violent confrontation when the Texans become...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

After Charlie's death, Bryon copes with profound guilt and becomes more responsible. He seeks solace in his relationship with Cathy, who understands his feelings, unlike Mark. Bryon distances himself...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

When Mark says he "found a shirt out in the street," he humorously implies he stole it, reflecting his disregard for right and wrong. Bryon, needing a shirt for a school dance, finds it in his size...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon realizes that everyone wants to be Mark's friend because Mark remains unaffected by the traumatic events in his life, making him unique and appealing. He compares Mark to a "golden dangerous...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

When Bryon asks if Mark is a "throwback," he is questioning whether Mark's lack of moral understanding and disregard for laws makes him a reversion to an earlier, more primitive type, similar to a...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Cathy contributes to Bryon and Mark's separation by influencing Bryon's emotional growth, enabling him to see beyond his past life with Mark. Her presence encourages Bryon to adopt a more thoughtful...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon respects Charlie for his toughness and loyalty, while Charlie shows confidence in Bryon by trusting him with the pool hall and lending him money. This mutual respect highlights their strong...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon's mother asks him to visit the boy in the hospital room next to hers. Bryon initially refuses, but Mark visits the boy, named Mike Chambers, who shares his story with Bryon. Mike was beaten by...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon worked at a local supermarket to help pay for his mother's hospital bills. To retain his job, he had to abandon his "bad boy" persona, clean up his appearance, and change his attitude....

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon had negative experiences with police officers when he was younger, and this shaped his opinion of them.

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That Was Then, This Is Now

When the Shepard boys target M&M, Mark and Bryon intervene to protect him. Initially, M&M is followed by three guys, including Curly Shepard, who cut off his peace medallion and knee him....

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That Was Then, This Is Now

The actions in "That Was Then, This Is Now" are initiated by a violent incident in Chapter 3, where Mark is injured by a bottle meant for Ponyboy Curtis. This attack is orchestrated by Angela Shepard...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

The novel is written from Bryon Douglas's first-person point of view. This perspective allows readers to intimately understand Bryon's thoughts and emotions as he recounts events from his teenage...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

In "That Was Then, This Is Now," Bryon is depicted as intelligent and takes school seriously, striving for good grades and being placed in advanced classes. In contrast, Mark is portrayed as...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon views Mark's ability to evade trouble as a gift because he is amused and impressed by Mark's charm and likability, which allow him to escape punishment for actions that would typically result...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Mark lives with Byron and his mom because his own parents died in a violent incident. Mark's parents killed each other in a drunken fight, revealing Mark's illegitimacy. Mark's reaction to their...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

Bryon views M&M's commune with disdain, finding the hippie lifestyle disgusting, dirty, silly, and a waste of time. Initially, he is in awe and slightly intimidated by the freedom and...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

By giving examples from the book, a student is able to explain to the teacher and other students what a "coming of age" novel is.

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That Was Then, This Is Now

In "That Was Then, This is Now," socioeconomics significantly influence Bryon's development. His relationship with Cathy and the need to support his mother prompt a shift in his attitude as he takes...

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That Was Then, This Is Now

The boys are prevented from assaulting the black man by M&M's intervention. After saving M&M from an attack, Mark suggests jumping a black man, but M&M protests, highlighting the...

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