Ford and Chevy Character Analysis in They Called Us Enemy

Ford and Chevy are two brothers that George and Henry meet at Camp Rohwer. Ford is about 13; Chevy is a bit younger. Together, they play a trick on George and Henry by giving them a magic word that, when shouted at the guards, will supposedly cause the guards to give the speaker whatever goodies they ask for. However, George learns later that the magic word—sakana beach—actually just sounds like “son of a bitch” with the right inflection. Following this incident, Daddy and Mama warn George and Henry to stay away from Ford and Chevy.

Ford and Chevy Character Timeline in They Called Us Enemy

The timeline below shows where the character Ford and Chevy appears in They Called Us Enemy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Family, Community, and Trauma Theme Icon

One day, two older brothers named Ford and Chevy approach George and Henry. Ford asks George if he wants to learn a... (full context)

George’s eyes grow huge. As Ford and Chevy giggle, he imagines candy raining down around him. He asks again for the... (full context)

...wants and then say “sakana beach” quickly. Henry asks him to get bubble gum, and Ford warns him that if he says it wrong, the guards will get angry and might... (full context)

American Democracy and Civic Engagement Theme Icon

...bad words in English, words that George and Henry should never use. He says that Ford and Chevy are bad for teaching them the words and they should be avoided. George... (full context)

...up, he hears jingle bells. Santa bursts into the mess hall and asks each child—including Ford and Chevy—if they’ve been good. Henry and Nancy Reiko stare up at Santa with big... (full context)