Good Kings Bad Kings

Though young and inexperienced, Yessenia’s difficult upbringing has prepared her to never back down from struggle or confrontation—a key characteristic that ignites her desire for social equality as a disabled teen. Aggressive, loud, and feared by her peers, she begins to evolve under the right guidance. Her involvement in spearheading a protest that ultimately changes the living and working conditions at ILLC signify how valuable and capable youth are—especially those who have been most marginalized and ignored by society. 

Ricky’s easygoing and loving attitude is a foil to the harshness experienced at ILLC. He is empathetic, goofy, and carefree, yet shows the toughness and durability of a Puerto Rican man who grew up poor. He is able to protect those he cares about with care and tenderness, a rare quality for a male in his position of power. Unlike his colleagues, who are mostly white and abusive towards the youth, Ricky is able to positively impact the lives of the patients with his unyielding love. In contrast to Joanne’s calculated efforts to affect macro change, Ricky makes a difference at the micro level, with simple and genuine human interactions, particularly in his empathy toward Pierre. 

Like many of the female characters in this novel, Jimmie’s strength evinces a superhuman quality—a sort of Wonder Woman-esque ability to defend the weak from outside threats. Big, strong, and fearless, Jimmie becomes a favorite among the youth—particularly Yessenia—who view her as a literal protector when she stands up against the abuse she witnesses at ILLC from other houseparents. Similar to Ricky, her lived experiences as a poor woman of color from South Chicago equip her with a sincere ability to care for the largely ignored disabled youth. Though dealing with her own trauma of being formerly homelessness, she finds healing in helping others.

Teddy is a humorous, playful, typical teenager who gossips and plays practical jokes. Although some adults view him as a problematic prankster, he is loved by his peers and the caring adults at ILLC. His status as a favorite among the community sets up his tragic demise, which resonates even more deeply with readers because of how innocent, undeserving, and helpless he is in the moment of his death. Teddy’s passing indicates the climax of the narrative—when all of the injustice and neglect experienced by the young patients coalesces in his loss. In a way, he is a sacrifice in order for change to occur, making his character heroic as well. His death is the metaphoric result of systemic abuse, and his death is a key catalyst for change within the ILLC community. 

Even though she isn’t malicious or intentionally evil, Michelle’s narration embodies the antagonistic elements in this story: the corporate, heartless healthcare system designed for profit rather than assistance. Her role as a nursing home recruiter is merely the first step in a larger process designed to dehumanize and quantify the monetary value of sick patients. Her desire for more material wealth motivates her and numbs her awareness of the pain she is causing those she places in institutionalized facilities. Her casual language and detached emotions sharply contrast against the severely terrible realities experienced by the disabled youth. To her credit, she eventually redeems herself by quitting her job and feeling ashamed about her company’s mission.