My Return to the Walter Boys

Cole is a multifaceted character who is the story’s antagonist and Jackie’s love interest. He’s defined by his duality; he can be cruel to Jackie but equally kind. He cares deeply about his family, and this is shown through multiple instances of him interacting with his youngest brothers and sister. At the same time, when Cole’s pride feels threatened, as it often is around Jackie, he can be “cruel and petty” (64). Instead of reflecting on his insecurity, Cole takes his feelings out on Jackie, insulting her and making intentionally hurtful remarks. 

When Cole pushes Jackie’s boundaries and teases her, his behavior veers into the territory of harassment, but neither the author nor Jackie directly addresses the ethics of his behavior. Likewise, no one in the novel confronts Cole about his abusive treatment of Jackie. Instead, the novel treats Cole as a catalyst whose actions move the plot forward. His decision to move back home is the novel’s inciting incident because it makes it impossible for him and Jackie to avoid their complicated feelings for each other. He also catalyzes Jackie’s healing journey, introducing her to the small-town innocence of the Walters’ childhood. The block party, snow cones, and minnow races that Cole shares with her align him the wholesomeness, nostalgia, and healing potential that these activities represent. 

Cole’s inner conflict comes from his drive to succeed, which is overshadowed by the loss of his ability to play football. The loss left him feeling adrift and unsure of what to do with his life, but he has recently found his stride as a mechanic for racecar drivers. He makes Jackie the center of his emotional void and gets upset when she doesn’t fulfill his unspoken expectations. These characteristics mark him as the archetype of the brooding, flawed romantic figure whose toxicity and charm mask deeper emotional turmoil. 

Cole and Jackie’s push and pull forms the core of the novel’s romance plot. Throughout the story, they come together and then drift apart again, mainly because of Jackie wanting to distance herself from him and from the possibility of their relationship causing a rift in the family. He finally realizes that he must discover his own independence and leaves the Walter household, bringing the plot arc that he began when he arrived full circle.

Among the Walter brothers, Nathan is the most mature and emotionally grounded, and he has a unique sibling-like bond with Jackie. She misses him more than the others, appreciating his calm and steady presence. Nathan’s interests in writing and music provide Jackie with a much-needed emotional refuge, helping her feel calm and grounded. When his epilepsy worsens and he fears for his future, Jackie and Nathan reignite their bond over a shared grief for futures that they thought they would have, sharing the experience of Navigating Grief and the Healing Process. Their connection deepens Jackie’s sense of found family, illustrating that blood ties aren’t necessary to build strong family relationships.

Katherine is the nurturing maternal figure of the family. Her presence offers Jackie a sense of stability and acceptance, bridging the gap between Jackie’s painful past and her evolving journey of Building a Sense of Belonging Through Found Family. Katherine’s role goes beyond traditional motherhood; she represents unconditional support and the possibility of new familial bonds formed through choice rather than obligation. Throughout the narrative, Katherine’s interactions with Jackie demonstrate acceptance and provide the healing that Jackie needs, reinforcing the idea that family is defined by care and commitment rather than blood. Katherine’s protective instincts and warm authority counteract the chaotic energy of the Walter boys, providing structure and emotional safety. Her hope that Jackie might one day officially be their daughter symbolizes the family’s embrace of Jackie and showcases the profound impact that Katherine has on Jackie’s journey toward acceptance.