Willard Character Analysis

A mean and aggressive young boy who wants to get into a fight with his friend, Joey. Eager to provoke Joey, Willard taunts him by making fun of his father, who committed suicide by taking rat poison. However, Joey refuses to grow angry, instead simply letting Willard say what he will. When Joey finds a penny on the ground, though, Willard pounces on it and claims it as his own, finally getting a rise out of his friend. Nevertheless, Steinbeck cuts this story off before it becomes clear whether or not the two boys will actually come to blows.