"The Wanderers" Characters Analysis

"The Wanderers" by Richard Price is a captivating novel that explores the lives of a diverse group of teenagers growing up in the Bronx during the 1960s. Each character in the book brings their unique personality and struggles to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. In this character analysis, we will delve into the key characters, their roles, traits, backgrounds, arcs, and relationships.

List of Characters

Role Identification

Richie Gennaro

Richie Gennaro serves as the protagonist of "The Wanderers." As a member of the Wanderers gang, Richie navigates the challenges of adolescence, friendship, and love in the tough Bronx neighborhood.

Joey Dillon

Joey Dillon plays the role of the primary antagonist in the novel. He is a member of the rival gang, the Del Bombers, and constantly clashes with Richie and the Wanderers.

Perry LaGuardia, Buddy Borsalino, Despie Galasso, and Turkey Trotter

These characters serve as supporting characters who contribute to the depth and complexity of the story. They provide different perspectives and experiences that shape the narrative and the lives of the main characters.

Character Descriptions

Richie Gennaro

Richie Gennaro is a charismatic and intelligent teenager. He is known for his good looks, strong sense of loyalty, and quick wit. Richie values his friendships and is driven to protect and support his fellow Wanderers.

Joey Dillon

Joey Dillon, the antagonist, is a tough and aggressive teenager. He is cunning and manipulative, always seeking ways to assert dominance over the Wanderers gang. Joey is known for his violent tendencies and has a reputation for being a troublemaker.

Perry LaGuardia

Perry LaGuardia is a kind-hearted and artistic member of the Wanderers. He is deeply passionate about music and often finds solace in his guitar. Perry is known for his gentle nature and serves as a voice of reason within the group.

Buddy Borsalino

Buddy Borsalino is a tough and rugged member of the Wanderers. He is fiercely loyal to his friends and has a reputation as a fighter. Buddy's tough exterior hides a more vulnerable side, and he often struggles with his emotions.

Despie Galasso

Despie Galasso is a spirited and confident girl who captures Richie's heart. She is independent and unafraid to challenge societal norms. Despie is known for her beauty and strong personality, making her a compelling and intriguing character.

Turkey Trotter

Turkey Trotter is a humorous and eccentric member of the Wanderers. He is known for his love of food and his jovial personality. Despite his carefree nature, Turkey is fiercely loyal to his friends and always ready to lend a hand.

Character Traits

Richie Gennaro

• Charismatic
• Loyal
• Quick-witted
• Protective
• Charming

Joey Dillon

• Aggressive
• Manipulative
• Troublemaker
• Violent
• Dominant

Perry LaGuardia

• Kind-hearted
• Artistic
• Gentle
• Musical
• Wise

Buddy Borsalino

• Tough
• Rugged
• Loyal
• Emotional
• Brave

Despie Galasso

• Spirited
• Confident
• Independent
• Beautiful
• Strong-willed

Turkey Trotter

• Humorous
• Eccentric
• Food-loving
• Jovial
• Loyal

Character Background

Richie Gennaro

Richie Gennaro comes from a working-class Italian-American family. He grew up in the Bronx and has been a member of the Wanderers gang for years. Richie's family is tight-knit, and he has been shaped by their values of loyalty, honor, and respect.

Joey Dillon

Joey Dillon also hails from the Bronx, but his background is less stable than Richie's. He comes from a broken home and has been involved in gang activity from an early age. Joey's troubled upbringing has influenced his aggressive behavior and desire for power.

Perry LaGuardia

Perry LaGuardia's family is of Puerto Rican descent. He grew up in a neighborhood plagued by poverty and crime. Perry's love for music and art has been a source of solace and escape from the challenges of his environment.

Buddy Borsalino

Buddy Borsalino's family is known for their long history of gang involvement. He comes from a tough background and has had to navigate the expectations and pressures that come with being part of a gang. Buddy's emotional struggles stem from his desire to break free from his family's cycle of violence.

Despie Galasso

Despie Galasso comes from an Italian-American family. Her family values tradition and conformity, but Despie has always felt a desire for independence and self-expression. Her strong-willed nature and refusal to adhere to societal norms set her apart from her peers.

Turkey Trotter

Turkey Trotter grew up in a large Irish-American family. Food has always played a significant role in his life, and his jovial personality stems from a desire to bring joy and laughter to others. Despite his carefree nature, Turkey faces the same challenges and struggles as his friends.

Character Arcs

Richie Gennaro

Richie's character arc revolves around self-discovery and coming-of-age. As the novel progresses, he begins questioning his loyalty to the gang and the life they lead. Richie's experiences with love, loss, and personal growth ultimately shape his transformation and lead him towards a new path.

Joey Dillon

Joey's character arc is one of power and control. Throughout the story, he becomes increasingly determined to assert dominance over the Wanderers. However, as Joey's actions escalate, he starts to face the consequences of his violent behavior, leading to a reckoning with his own choices.

Perry LaGuardia, Buddy Borsalino, Despie Galasso, and Turkey Trotter

While these characters have less prominent arcs, they each undergo personal growth and transformation. Perry finds his voice and gains confidence through his music, Buddy learns to confront his emotions and vulnerabilities, Despie challenges societal expectations and finds her own path, and Turkey learns to balance his carefree nature with the responsibilities of adulthood.

Relationships

Richie Gennaro and Joey Dillon

Richie and Joey have a complex and tumultuous relationship. They are constantly at odds, with each seeking to gain power over the other. Their rivalry drives much of the conflict in the story, showcasing the intense dynamics between the Wanderers and the Del Bombers.

Richie Gennaro and Despie Galasso

Richie and Despie's relationship is a central romance in the novel. Their love evolves amidst the challenges of their respective gangs and the pressures of their families. Their connection represents a beacon of hope and escape from the harsh realities of their lives.

Buddy Borsalino and Perry LaGuardia

Buddy and Perry share a close bond as members of the Wanderers. They provide support and guidance for each other as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. Their friendship demonstrates the importance of loyalty and camaraderie within the gang.

Despie Galasso and Turkey Trotter

Despie and Turkey have a unique friendship characterized by their shared sense of humor and carefree nature. Their lighthearted relationship offers moments of levity amidst the intense drama of the novel.

In "The Wanderers," Richard Price masterfully crafts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities, motivations, and relationships. Through their interactions and personal journeys, Price explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the complexities of teenage life in the Bronx during the 1960s. The characters' arcs and relationships add depth and richness to the narrative, making "The Wanderers" a compelling and memorable read.