The Smallest Dragonboy

Apart from emphasizing that he is small, the story provides minimal physical description of Keevan. This further emphasizes the role his size plays in the story and highlights the misbelief of many in his community that size determines worth and range of ability. Keevan’s character shows depth and interiority in his main internal conflict about this issue. He wonders “why being small was reprehensible” (5), demonstrating his understanding that his size is less important than other factors, such as speed and strength of character. Conversely, Keevan struggles with moments of self-doubt, evidenced in intrusive thoughts. He worries that he’s more likely to be forbidden from candidacy because “the Weyr’s need was for fighting dragons and riders” (16). Thus, Keevan decides to “settle for a green dragon” (8) because it’s small like him; this reveals the insecurity and self-doubt he feels in moments of uncertainty and panic. Keevan’s lack of friends, as well as the overall loneliness and isolation he experiences, amplifies the impact of his size on other areas of his life.

Through external conflict, the area in which everyone—including Keevan—feels he is inherently lacking in due to his size, he exhibits the strengths of character that allow him to rise above the misconception that size indicates worth and ability.