The Foxhole Court

As the protagonist and primary narrator, Neil Josten is a dynamic and round character whose journey forms the central arc of the novel. His defining trait is a deeply ingrained survivalist mentality, honed over eight years of running from his murderous father, the crime lord known as “the Butcher.” This past dictates his present actions, from his constant state of hyper-vigilance to his use of physical disguises like dark hair dye and brown contact lenses. The name “Neil Josten” is itself a carefully constructed alias, one of 22 he has used to obscure his true identity. This persona is a necessary tool for self-preservation, directly engaging with the theme of The Malleability of Identity and the Performance of Self. His initial reaction to any perceived threat is to flee. This instinct is evident when he first meets Coach Wymack and his immediate impulse is to abandon his life in Millport rather than risk the exposure that comes with a college Exy team.

Despite his powerful instinct for survival, Neil is characterized by a profound and desperate need for belonging, which is inextricably linked to the sport of Exy.