Fernando Character Analysis

Fernando is the head cook at Mr. Chang’s pancake house, who accuses Cedric of being a thief. It’s possible that Fernando discriminates against Cedric based on his Taiwanese ethnicity or undocumented status. His attitude to Cedric portrays the growing racial tension in Mr. Chang’s restaurant, while also sowing questions about Cedric’s trustworthiness. When Fernando himself turns out to be the crook—he is caught stealing meat from the kitchen and suspects Cedric was the tip-off—it starts to seem like his accusations were also an attempt to deflect attention away from his own misdeeds. Mr. Chang fires him and promotes Cedric, whom Fernando punches in the mouth. As though physical violence were not enough of an affront, Fernando also calls the immigration police. His action leads to more hardship for Cedric, Booker, and Mr. Chang.