The Chalk Box Kid

Gregory is the story’s nine-year-old protagonist. He is easygoing and optimistic, loves art and nature, and, despite frequent setbacks, constantly picks himself up and hopes for better times. He has simple desires: to express himself through art and to be appreciated by others.

Gregory lives in a small house with his mother, father, and Uncle Max. Gregory is respectful toward his parents and teachers, but he does not like his Uncle Max’s teasing and dismissive behavior. This shows that Gregory is a sensitive child, easily hurt by callousness. Gregory loves his parents; several times during the story he makes bids for their attention, because he wants to feel like they know what is special about him. When they are too busy to pay him much attention, however, he does not act out; he simply accepts the situation and tries to find other routes to happiness.

Because of his family’s financial situation, Gregory has had to move several times and start at new schools. This socioeconomic pressure contributes to his parents’ sometimes distracted parenting, and to Gregory becoming quite independent. It has also taught Gregory to make the best of the resources he does have available. When Uncle Max’s arrival takes away Gregory’s first chance to have his own room, he makes himself a retreat in the abandoned chalk factory.