Character Analysis Raymond's Run

“Raymond’s Run”, a compelling short story written by Toni Cade Bambara which focuses in on Squeaky, a young girl who excels at running, started out conceited but grew considerate after she witnessed her mentally challenged brother, Raymond, run. She also had to keep Gretchen, her competitor, away from winning the first place prize. During the story, Squeaky became incensed when Gretchen’s clique said a few offensive remarks to Raymond, which made Squeaky want to hold the first place trophy in her hand even more. But, Squeaky never realized that she did not always treat Raymond like he was her equal. During the 50 yard dash, Squeaky realized that Raymond is human too after seeing him run and have the same abilities as her. She came to the realization …show more content…
Squeaky’s trait in the initial part of the story was conceited, for, she thought she was the world’s most amazing-est runner who ever lived, and had too much pride. The utmost moment where this is shown is when Squeaky tells Gretchen to her face that she’ll beat her which proves that Squeaky thinks she is out of Gretchen’s league and is better than her (Bambara 3). Although Squeaky’s actions were minimally amiable, she still turned into a considerate person, for, she realizes that she is not the most amazing runner in the world, and Gretchen may not be as fast as her, she is still a good runner, thus, Squeaky was acting considerate. (Bambara 7). Squeaky made a great transformation in her personality all because she saw her brother Raymond run, and she learned that she is no a superior runner because she saw her brother who she was always condescending to, run at her pace. This caused Squeaky to change her ways, because she never knew Raymond was nearly as good as her, and teaches a valuable, priceless lesson of that you should never underestimate the ability of others no matter what