Ricky Braithwaite, the narrator, is a very sensitive person. He is very upset at the racism that he has to face after serving in the army. He gets a job in a school, and initially has a very difficult time with the students who are disrespectful, ill-mannered and mischievous. They harass him from day one. However, his novel and creative ideas, innovative techniques and understanding of the students’ psychology, ultimately wins their hearts.
Though he was bullied, harassed, mentally and physically tortured many times, he didn’t lose his patience and continued implementing his novel ideas and techniques that helped him to bring a significant change in his students’ lives. On the day of the half-yearly report of the Students’ Council, he is very anxious to see how they behave. When they are business-like, confident, cool and courteous, he feels proud of them.
