Ryan Green is a schoolmate of Nana’s and attends the same church as Gifty and her family. He has wormed his way into the position of P.T.’s protégé, despite being the biggest drug dealer in the high school. Even though Gifty doesn’t realize that at the time, she notices and is bothered by the contrast between his overtly enthusiastic religious performance when others are watching and his meanspirited behavior towards her in private. Ryan is a foil for Nana, who was only accepted in his community as long as he demonstrated his athletic brilliance. In contrast, Ryan is wholly accepted by the church despite his flaws.