Tony Character Analysis in Long Way Down

One of Will’s best friends. Tony is a great basketball player despite being very short. Because of this, he practices his jumps and hopes that his growth spurt will come soon. Tony spends much of his time on the local basketball court talking about everything and anything—including things that, Will implies, could be considered violations of the second “Rule” of their neighborhood: “no snitching.” However, Will is loyal to Tony and doesn’t believe he’s really breaking the Rules, since Tony only talks to make himself seem tougher and more important—he’s not “snitching” to the police.

Tony Character Timeline in Long Way Down

The timeline below shows where the character Tony appears in Long Way Down. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Grief, Fear, and Cycles of Violence Theme Icon

Masculinity and Coming of Age Theme Icon

...than the tragedy itself. Will says that the day before yesterday, he and his friend Tony stood outside, wondering if they’d get taller now that they’re 15. Shawn grew a foot... (full context)

During this conversation, Will, Tony, and everyone else in the area hear gunshots. They run and tuck themselves down, praying... (full context)

...and blind, especially when the shots kill someone. It’s best to be invisible, and even Tony runs away. Will isn’t sure if the cops talk to him, since he can’t hear... (full context)

...who was at the court every night. He was a young kid trying to dunk: Tony. Will tells the reader that Tony’s talk isn’t snitching; snitching is specifically talking to police.... (full context)