The teenaged narrator of the novel, also known as Moby, faces several conflicts, both internal and external, throughout the book. Eric engages in a great deal of introspection as he tries to decide how best to help his at-risk friend. He also tries to decide what to make of complex moral issues, both during his CAT class as well as during his interactions with Mark Brittian and Jody Mueller. While Eric himself does not change a great deal over the span of the book, he does provide assistance to others who need change or refuge. Throughout the novel, most of what Eric does is learn to look again, and to see people and situations more complexly, especially when his peers are involved.

Steve, Eric’s present best friend, is a foil to Mark Brittian. Whereas Mark’s faith is dogmatic and judgmental, Steve’s faith is quietly reflective and allows for uncertainty and imperfection. Steve resents Mark and his father for being so bombastic and dogmatic. His own life has contained painful loss (the death of his older brother) so he has wrestled with questions that many of his classmates have yet to face, especially Mark Brittian.