Brother

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of bullying, sexual violence, rape, child abuse, child sexual abuse, child death, animal cruelty, animal death, mental illness, addiction, graphic violence, sexual content, cursing, death, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

Michael is the main character and protagonist. While he’s participated in around 30 murders, unlike Wade, Momma, and Reb, Michael demonstrates remorse. He can’t “disconnect himself from his emotions” (19), so feelings are central to his characterization. He regularly considers letting the victims go, an impulse established in Chapter 1 when he doesn’t want to chase after the girl. Throughout the narrative, Michael’s character arc involves transcending both the Morrows’ diabolic influence and the trauma they’ve inflicted on him, connecting to the theme of The Cyclical Nature of Trauma. Michael doesn’t try to harm anyone. He aims to protect Misty and have a romantic relationship with Alice. He dreams of living a peaceful life in the house with the little green shutters, a stark contrast to his current life. 

However, passivity defines Michael throughout the novel. He’s active, but other people, like Momma and Reb, control him and determine what he does.