Warriors Don’t Cry

by

Melba Beals

The eldest member of the Little Rock Nine, Green is a senior in high school at the time that he helps to integrate Central High School. Green is a member of Melba’s church and his aunt, Mrs. Gravely, is a history teacher at Melba’s junior high school. Melba describes Green as warm and friendly; he greets her every week at Sunday school. Ernest eventually becomes the first black graduate of Central High.
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Ernest Green Character Timeline in Warriors Don’t Cry

The timeline below shows where the character Ernest Green appears in Warriors Don’t Cry. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
The other students include Ernest Green , the eldest, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, Elizabeth Eckford, Thelma Mothershed, Melba’s “special friend” Minnijean... (full context)
Chapter 6
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
...of scholarship, personal conduct, and health.” Melba wonders if he knows about Thelma’s heart condition. Ernest Green and Elizabeth Eckford turn out to be the only students who testify, to Melba’s relief.... (full context)
Chapter 11
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
...in a talk with segregationist student leaders, organized by the Norwegian reporter, Mrs. Jorumn Rickets. Ernie, Minnijean, and Melba sit down with Sammy Dean Parker, who was in the newspaper hugging... (full context)
Chapter 18
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
...the students mock Melba for her mother’s job loss. The segregationists also plan to prevent Ernest Green , a senior, from completing school at Central and attending the graduation ceremony. The tension... (full context)
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
Passive vs. Violent Resistance Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
...different way from gym class to elude him. Meanwhile, the segregationists insist on not letting Ernest Green graduate and Melba begins to worry for his safety. Grandma India decides to distract her... (full context)
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
Mother Lois announces that none of the black students will be allowed to attend Ernest’s graduation so that the authorities can more easily protect Ernest and his family if they... (full context)