Jamal Character Analysis in The 57 Bus

One of Richard’s friends. Jamal is on the 57 bus the day Richard sets fire to Sasha’s skirt, and he even gives Richard the cigarette lighter and encourages him to light the flame. Jamal “howls with laughter” as Sasha’s skirt burns, but he is never questioned by the police after Richard’s arrest.

Jamal Character Timeline in The 57 Bus

The timeline below shows where the character Jamal appears in The 57 Bus. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Binary Thought and Inclusive Language Theme Icon

...bus records Richard and Lloyd as they board. In the back, they find their friend Jamal, who is just a few feet away from a sleeping Sasha. “Look at this dude,”... (full context)

Adolescent Crime vs. Adult Crime Theme Icon

Discrimination and Social Justice Theme Icon

Although Jamal can’t be heard on the video, he takes out his phone and “points it at... (full context)

Accountability, Redemption, and Forgiveness Theme Icon

Sasha’s skirt fails to smoke or smolder. “Go ahead, you do it,” Jamal says to Richard. He flicks the lighter a second time, but there is still no... (full context)

“I’m on fire! I’m on fire!” Sasha yells as Jamal “howls with laughter.” On the bus it is pandemonium, and the passengers begin running for... (full context)

...Richard watches as Sasha sits on the sidewalk, their legs a “charred” mess. Lloyd and Jamal get off the 57 bus too, and the three board another waiting bus. Later at... (full context)

...a punishment he “wouldn’t face” if he was charged as a juvenile instead. Lloyd and Jamal are never questioned by police. (full context)