Football Genius

Troy is the protagonist or hero of the story. Troy’s transformation throughout the novel follows the template of Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey. A story with this structure involves the hero departing from his familiar world into a mysterious new one, becoming initiated into the new world by being victorious in a crisis, and finally returning to his home world a changed person and the master of two worlds. The story of Troy working with the Atlanta Falcons reflects Troy’s maturation as he journeys out from childhood world and into the adult world.

Troy is very loyal and true to his word. Thus, although he is somewhat of a flawed hero, his loyalty and fundamental ethics are sound. When he makes a bet, he sticks by it. This allows the reader to empathize with him. He is very loyal to his mother, as evident when he defends her parenting when Jamie makes fun of Troy for not having a father.

At the beginning of the novel, Troy’s mom calls him a “hothead” (7). This description seems apt, as he is impulsive and easily falls into conflict with his rival, Jamie Renfro. His hotheaded decision making also gets him in trouble with Coach Krock as Troy rushes to the sidelines to try and help the Falcons against the Cowboys.