Pay It Forward: Character Analysis

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Questions and Answers

Who is telling the story in the prologue?

Chris Chandler, an investigative reporter.

What class was the assignment for?

Social Studies

What was the name of the teacher who gave out the assignment?

Ruben St. Clair

Where and when does the main part of the story take place?

Atascadero, CA in the 1990s Signup and view all the answers

What is the teacher's flaw that he is questioned about by the students?

He is missing an eye and his mouth is damaged. He is deaf in one ear and can't use his left arm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main character's name?

Trevor Signup and view all the answers

What is the extra credit assignment?

A plan to change the world and how you would put the plan into action. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Arlene?

Trevor's mom. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ricky? What do we know about him?

Ricky is Trevor's dad. He was in a car wreck, but the body was never found. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jerry?

A homeless man. Signup and view all the answers

How do Jerry and Trevor meet?

Trevor put out an ad for free money and Jerry got it from him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jerry do with the money?

Jerry buys new clothes to get ready for a job. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Arlene upset that Jerry is in her home?

Jerry is a stranger and he is taking a shower in her home. Signup and view all the answers

What does Trevor tell Jerry to do in the future instead of paying him back?

Trevor tells Jerry to pay it forward. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what 'pay it forward' means.

It means to help others without expecting anything in return. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jerry pay it forward?

Jerry takes out parts of the car so that he can sell them to give someone else money. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Arlene upset with Mr. St. Clair?

Arlene thought that Mr. St. Clair started the pay it forward movement and she did not like Jerry in her house. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Jerry say he sleeps? Does he really sleep there?

Jerry says he sleeps on the couch. No, he does not sleep there. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jerry feel after he talks to Arlene?

He feels accepted that someone has talked with him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Arlene feel about Trevor?

Trevor is like his father, so it is hard to talk to him. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Roles

Chris Chandler, an investigative reporter, narrates the story in the prologue.
Trevor is the main character tasked with creating a plan to change the world.
Arlene is Trevor's mother, concerned about the people he helps.
Ricky, Trevor's father, is missing after a car wreck; his body was never found.
Jerry, a homeless man, interacts significantly with Trevor and Arlene.

Setting

The story unfolds in Atascadero, California, during the 1990s.

Assignment and Teacher

The assignment that prompts the story breaks down barriers involves creating a plan to change the world, assigned by teacher Ruben St. Clair.
Ruben St. Clair, the teacher, has physical disabilities: he is missing an eye, has a damaged mouth, is deaf in one ear, and cannot use his left arm.

Key Concepts

The concept of "pay it forward" is introduced as helping others without expecting anything in return.
Trevor encourages Jerry to embrace this idea, suggesting he help others instead of repaying him directly.

Significant Events

Trevor connects with Jerry by posting an ad for free money, leading to Jerry receiving financial support.
Jerry uses the money received to buy new clothes, intending to prepare for employment.
Arlene is uncomfortable with Jerry in her home, feeling a mix of apprehension and protectiveness, especially as he is a stranger.

Emotional Dynamics

Jerry feels accepted after conversing with Arlene, highlighting the importance of human connection even among strangers.
Arlene finds it difficult to communicate with Trevor, as he reminds her of Ricky, her missing husband.

Jerry's Actions

Jerry demonstrates the "pay it forward" philosophy by dismantling parts of a car to sell for money to help someone else.
This act signifies his understanding and application of Trevor's suggestion to contribute positively to others' lives.

Conflicts and Tensions

Arlene's frustration with Mr. St. Clair arises from her belief that he initiated the "pay it forward" movement, compounded by her discomfort with Jerry in their home.
The struggle between Arlene's protective instincts and Trevor's empathetic inclinations creates tension within their family dynamic.

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Description

Explore the characters and themes in the story centered around Trevor's journey to change the world. This quiz delves into the relationships and pivotal moments in 1990s Atascadero, California, highlighting the concept of paying it forward. Analyze how the characters impact one another and the broader message of community support.