Warriors Don’t Cry

by

Melba Beals

Melba’s crush. Vince is two years older than Melba and drives a Chevy. Melba describes him as “a caramel-colored John Darren.” Grandma India describes him as the “polite boy” from the wrestling matches. When Melba attends the matches, she imagines herself on pretend-dates with Vince who eventually asks Melba to be his girlfriend. Later, the pair grow apart due to Melba’s fame as a member of the Little Rock Nine.
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Vince Character Timeline in Warriors Don’t Cry

The timeline below shows where the character Vince appears in Warriors Don’t Cry. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4 
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
The phone rings again. Grandma India answers and tells Melba that she thinks it is Vince on the other end. Melba excitedly rushes to the phone only to hear a voice... (full context)
Chapter 5
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
Relationships, Romance, and Empathy  Theme Icon
...Melba would usually go to get a drink at the soft-drink stand and would see Vince there and invite him back to sit with her, Grandma India, and Grandma India’s friend,... (full context)
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
Relationships, Romance, and Empathy  Theme Icon
...as the beginning of a great Sunday that just keeps getting better. Before church starts, Vince walks up to Melba and asks her to be his girlfriend. The invitation distracts her... (full context)
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
Relationships, Romance, and Empathy  Theme Icon
...night. Melba feels the tension at home and finds it hard to concentrate. Thoughts of Vince offer a welcome distraction. Melba decides to ask her mother and grandmother for permission to... (full context)
Chapter 10
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
Relationships, Romance, and Empathy  Theme Icon
Mother Lois announces that Vince called to ask if Melba could go with him to church on Sunday, then out... (full context)
Chapter 12
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
Vince is her first guest at the party. He offers Melba a gift of “tiny gold... (full context)
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
...and no one invites her to the biggest party of the year. She recognizes that Vince also wants to go to Ann’s party and wonders if her mother and grandmother can... (full context)
Chapter 14
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
Passive vs. Violent Resistance Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
Relationships, Romance, and Empathy  Theme Icon
Mother Lois suggests that Melba extend Vince a standing invitation to come to Sunday supper. He agrees and comes by, even on... (full context)
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
Relationships, Romance, and Empathy  Theme Icon
...hit. When Melba arrives home, Grandma India presents her with a Valentine’s Day card from Vince whom Melba thinks less about due to her preoccupation with integration. (full context)
Chapter 16
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
Passive vs. Violent Resistance Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
Relationships, Romance, and Empathy  Theme Icon
...from the hallway that someone is on the phone for Melba. She hopes it is Vince so that she can tell him about her victory, but it is Link. Melba is... (full context)
Racism and Living Under Jim Crow Theme Icon
The Cost of Non-Conformity Theme Icon
During church dinner at Easter, Melba and Vince sit together, but it becomes clear to her that they have little in common. In... (full context)