Larry Lasallle Characteristics In Heroes By Robert Cormier

Larry LaSallle’s characteristics that have been shown in Heroes by Robert Cormier have been major plot points in the story. Especially how he became a hero, motivated the kids of the Wreck Center, was celebrated by the town for his actions in Guadalcanal and then later identified his lust for “sweet young things.” Larry inspired Francis to play Table Tennis at the Wreck Center, causing him to “win” the championship, as he inspired many other kids at the Wreck Center to do the same. Except, Francis was the only one who won the tournament. “He led the cheers, the hollers and whistles of celebration. Dashing to my side of the table, he pumped my hand, hugged me furiously, his ear close enough for me to whisper: ‘Thank you.’ He turned me over to the crowd as the cheers continued, my name endlessly shouted. My eyes sought Nicole, found her joyous face, hands joined together as if in a prayer, eyes half closed as if making herself an offering to me”(Cormeir 68). Due to the fact that Larry inspired Francis like he did

“Larry LaSalle stood before us that afternoon at the Wreck Center, the movie star smile gone. Replaced by grim-faced determination. ‘We can’t let the Japs get away with this,’ he said, anger that we had never seen before flash in his eyes. As we were about to cheer his announcement, he held up his hand, ‘None of that kids. I’m just doing what millions of others are doing’” (Cormeir 74). After Larry inspired multiple people with his Table Tennis tournament at the Wreck Center that was just a day earlier, he inspired multiple men and teenagers alike to go and join the war effort, which in turn caused him to become this celebrated Silver-Star war hero from this small town saving his outfit in Guadalcanal all by