The main character in Avi’s novel Crispin: The Cross of Lead is Crispin, the thirteen-year-old narrator, who lives in medieval England during the 14th century. The struggle this character faces is he has been wrongfully accused of a crime, is declared a wolf’s head, and is forced to flee Stromford. During the course of the story, Crispin changes dramatically from a cowardly young boy to a bold young man.
In the beginning of the novel Crispin is a cowardly boy that has no self respect. For example when John Aycliffe calls Crispin, he approaches the steward with his head down, “Head bowed, I drew close.” Crispin fears that he will be punished, so he hides his face. Additionally, Crispin could stand up for himself, but he wimps out. Another example of Crispin acting timid is when he considers abandoning Bear, even after the man helps him. Crispin thinks that the nice man could turn him in or even kill him. Furthermore Crispin has not gained trust from a man that saved his life. Crispins actions clearly prove that he is a weak boy that only thinks of
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For example Crispin risks his life and stands up to his lifelong enemy John Aycliffe, “ ‘If you call the guards, I’ll kill you.’ I cried, pushing his face to the floor.” Crispin would have never been brave enough to stand against Aycliffe until now. Additionally, Crispin knows that at any moment the steward could knock him out in one blow, but he continues to pin the man down. Another example of Crispin acting courageous is when Crispin keeps his side of the deal to hand over the cross of lead to John Aycliffe, even though the man is dead. Crispin feels that it is the right thing to do, even though the man has tormented him for all of his life. Furthermore, Crispin gives up the only thing that he has left of his mother just to keep his word. Crispin’s actions prove that he has became truly a fearless young