Harley is the protagonist of this coming-of-age story. Although he is not present in much of the story, the narration begins and ends with his transition into manhood. This is indicative of his role as the primary character. In the beginning, Harley struggles to find his place within his family and community. He feels incomplete due to the personal loss of his father and brother, and due to the larger loss of cultural community that is reflected by his family tragedy.

Harley finds new hope when he meets Pumpkin. He is immediately drawn to her striking appearance and engaging personality. He opens to her in ways that he has never allowed himself to before. He feels like part of himself was sacrificed when Duane died and that his mother “fed her sleeping son his brother’s soul” (42). By letting Pumpkin in emotionally, he lowers the emotional barriers he has constructed to compartmentalize his trauma. This allows him to feel whole for the first time.

This makes Pumpkin’s death all the more impactful. Harley does not know how to replace the love that he has lost. He attempts to connect with her spirit by performing as a grass dancer, but his inability to channel her energy through dance only enhances the void left by her absence.