In Jason Reynolds’ ‘Long Way Down,’ the character who has the most significant impact on Will’s decision to avenge his brother’s murder is Uncle Mark, whose influence catalyzes a transformative shift in Will’s perception of justice, vengeance, and the cycle of violence. Having Will play out what he hopes will happen when he encounters Carlson Riggs could have encouraged him to carry it out even more. Uncle Mark recalled his story and how the cycle of violence worked in his life to help Will understand the severity of his actions. He also made him think of the consequences, like prison, and how he would not last there. By using these tactics, Will started to question himself and whether he should continue to carry out his actions. Although Uncle …show more content…
“Uncle Mark should’ve just bought his camera and shot his stupid movie the first day. Unfortunately, he never shot anything ever again. But my father did,” (Reynolds 187). This introduces the cycle of violence into Will’s family, starting with his dad, Mikey Holloman, and Uncle Mark. If they had each made a different decision, they would've never ended up doing what they did. Will believes his dad and Uncle Mark could still be alive to this day if Uncle Mark simply stopped selling after one day. He is now in the same exact situation as his father was in when he avenged his little brother's murder. Will realizes the outcomes that would come out of killing Riggs and the possibility of his own death as revenge for Riggs murder, continuing the cycle of violence. Uncle Mark was in a similar situation as Will before. He understands the possible consequences that Will will not even consider. His plan is to be a. To sell for one day. One day., just through the end of the day. I’m sure you know where this is going,” Reynolds 183-184. Uncle Mark tries to get across how both his and Will’s situations seem to have simple resolutions, but it’s not that