Rez Ball

The posthumous character Jaxon is a central symbolic and driving force in the novel. Although he’s deceased before the novel begins, his constant presence palpably shapes the motivations and conflicts of nearly every character, especially his younger brother, Tre. The text characterizes Jaxon entirely through the memories of others and the things of significance that he left behind, such as his photographs, memorial T-shirts, and iconic basketball shoes. To his family and the Red Lake community, he was more than a talented athlete; he was “like a superhero on our rez” (3). He embodies an idealized legacy of perfection, courage, and community pride, a standard against which others relentlessly measure Tre.

As a representation of the fallen hero archetype, Jaxon represents both inspiration and immense pressure. For Tre, Jaxon is a source of motivation, a figure whose work ethic he strives to emulate. However, this legacy is also a heavy burden, making Tre feel inadequate and invisible. Dallas’s memories of Jaxon reveal a kinder, more human side to the legend, a supportive teammate who “always made sure to hype me up when I made a good play” (15). This perspective helps contextualize Jaxon as more than just an untouchable icon, allowing Tre to eventually integrate his brother’s memory in a healthier way. Jaxon’s memory is a focal point for The Process of Grieving and Healing Through Connection, as the community unifies around his image, and the family learns to navigate their loss by supporting Tre’s journey. Jaxon’s spectral presence represents a legacy that the living characters must understand and reinterpret to move forward.

The novel’s deuteragonist and a mentor figure for Tre is Dallas, a senior starter on the varsity team and a close friend of the late Jaxon. Dallas provides a crucial bridge connecting Tre to his brother’s world. He’s the first varsity player to recognize and validate Tre’s potential, inviting him to a party and encouraging him to try out for the team. Dallas possesses a mature and empathetic perspective that allows him to guide Tre through the team’s challenging social dynamics. He provides context for Mason’s aggressive behavior, explaining, “Mason had a real tough childhood. I mean, we all did in some way, right? But he had it especially bad” (21). This insight helps Tre navigate his most significant conflict on the team.

Beyond his role as a personal mentor, Dallas articulates the sport’s broader cultural significance. He understands that for the Red Lake Nation, basketball is more than a game. He expresses a deep-seated desire to win not just for personal achievement but for the collective pride and historical vindication of his people, a sentiment that aligns with the theme of Resisting Oppression Through Community Bonds and Pride. His leadership isn’t based on being the most skilled player but on his loyalty, hard work, and ability to unite his teammates. Dallas’s steadfast support is instrumental in Tre’s development, providing him with the encouragement and confidence to step out of Jaxon’s shadow and become a leader.

For much of the novel, Mason functions as the primary antagonist and a foil to Tre. As the team’s fiery and protective point guard, his identity is deeply intertwined with the varsity squad he has been a part of since sixth grade. He’s fiercely loyal to the memory of Jaxon and views Tre’s arrival with suspicion and hostility, seeing him as an unproven outsider who threatens the team’s established chemistry. Initially, his dismissal of Tre is sharp and public: “And I’m sorry, but you’re no Jaxon” (19). This antagonism creates the central conflict that Tre must overcome to earn his place on the team.

Beneath his aggressive exterior, Mason is a round character whose motivations are rooted in past hardship and a deep love for his team and community. Dallas describes Mason’s tough-guy persona as a “shield from the world” (22), hinting at a vulnerability he rarely shows. Mason gradually transforms from Tre’s antagonist to his ally. As Tre repeatedly proves his skill, courage, and commitment, Mason’s animosity slowly evolves into grudging respect and, ultimately, genuine camaraderie. His eventual acceptance of Tre, culminating in a hug after a significant victory, signifies both his approval of Tre as a teammate and the healing of the team’s internal divisions. Mason’s journey highlights the novel’s focus on unity and the power of shared goals to overcome personal pride and prejudice.

As a significant supporting character, Khiana is Tre’s primary love interest and represents a view of him outside the confines of reservation basketball. A senior who is new to the school, she’s independent, artistic, and direct. Crucially, she’s one of the first people to see Tre for himself, separate from his family’s legacy. Their initial connection allows Tre to experience a part of his identity that isn’t defined by Jaxon or the pressures of the court. Khiana is self-confident, pursuing her passions for cosplay and special effects makeup with a clear goal of moving to Los Angeles after graduation. Her self-assuredness starkly contrasts with Tre’s initial insecurity.

Her relationship with Tre, and later with Wes, catalyzes Tre’s emotional growth. When she clarifies that she sees them as “friendable” and isn’t looking for a serious relationship before she moves, she establishes firm boundaries. Tre’s subsequent jealousy when she begins dating Wes forces him to confront his own immaturity and possessiveness. Although their romance doesn’t develop in a traditional way, Khiana’s presence is vital. She provides Tre with a necessary escape and a different perspective on life, helping him develop as an individual beyond his role as an athlete.

Tre’s loyal best friend, Wes, plays the unique role of chronicler and observer. As an aspiring filmmaker, Wes decides to make Tre the subject of his first documentary, a recurring motif that symbolizes the process of constructing and witnessing a legacy. His camera is a near-constant presence, capturing Tre’s struggles and triumphs and framing his journey as a narrative of a champion in the making. Wes’s belief in Tre is unwavering; long before Tre makes the varsity team, Wes is already documenting his “origin story,” providing a source of validation and encouragement that helps bolster Tre’s fragile confidence.

Despite his steadfast loyalty, his friendship with Tre is tested. As Tre becomes a local celebrity, a distance grows between them, culminating in a physical fight fueled by Tre’s jealousy over Wes’s relationship with Khiana. This conflict highlights the strains that fame and pressure place on Tre’s oldest and most important relationships. However, their bond proves resilient. Wes, without Tre’s knowledge, sends a trailer of his documentary to Slam magazine, which leads to a major feature story on Tre and the team, giving them national recognition. This selfless act demonstrates the depth of the friendship and Wes’s instrumental role in helping Tre achieve his dreams. Their eventual reconciliation thematically underscores The Process of Grieving and Healing Through Connection.

Ed and Lori, Tre’s parents, are supporting characters who embody the grief that shadows the Brun household. The loss of their eldest son, Jaxon, dominates their lives, and their home is a shrine to his memory, filled with photos that provide a “never-ending memorial” (44). Their pain manifests in different ways, creating a tense and emotionally charged environment for Tre. Ed, a former basketball star himself, struggles to connect with Tre outside the context of the sport. He constantly compares Tre to Jaxon, placing immense, though often unintentional, pressure on his younger son to replicate his brother’s success. His perspective is rooted in a desire to see the family legacy continue and to heal through a familiar passion.

Lori is more attuned to the emotional toll that the pressure takes on Tre. As a social worker, she understands trauma and often tempers her husband’s intensity and offers Tre emotional support. However, she too is overcome with grief, and the parents’ conversations frequently circle back to self-blame and sorrow over Jaxon’s death. Their character arc thematically follows The Process of Grieving and Healing Through Connection, as watching Tre succeed on the court becomes a way for them to process their loss and rally together as a family. The father’s final admission that Tre’s journey has been “healing” and his releasing Tre from the burden of comparison marks a pivotal moment of acceptance for the entire family.

The starting center for the Warriors, Kevin, is a key supporting character on the team. Initially presented as a somewhat stereotypical jock, he’s cocky, physically dominant, and comically ungraceful, a player Jaxon described as “one part Captain America, one part Jar Jar Binks” (47). Despite his occasionally arrogant demeanor, Kevin is a good-natured and supportive teammate. He’s one of the first varsity players, alongside Dallas, to recognize Tre’s skill and dedication, respecting the hard work Tre put in during the summer. He values talent and effort over seniority, quickly becoming Tre’s ally and encouraging him to integrate with the team. Kevin’s straightforward personality contrasts with the more complex emotional states of characters like Mason and Dallas, and his consistent on-court performance makes him a reliable pillar of the team’s strength.

One of Tre’s best friends is Nate, a fellow member of the JV team at the beginning of the story. He’s primarily a source of comic relief and unwavering loyalty. Nate’s humor, often delivered with a characteristic “rez accent,” provides levity during tense moments, both on and off the court. He’s less introspective than Wes but just as supportive of Tre’s ambitions. Nate acts as a hype man, constantly pushing Tre to be more confident and to own his talent. His presence helps keep Tre grounded, representing the easy, uncomplicated friendship that existed before Tre’s rise to varsity fame. He’s a steadfast and reliable friend who celebrates Tre’s successes without jealousy and stands by him unconditionally.