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When the story begins, Adam presents the image of cool masculinity. He claims to beat up older, bigger boys. He wears a worn leather jacket with an up-turned collar. He laughs off run-ins with the police. He smokes regularly and boasts about implied sexual conquests.
The narrator offers clues throughout the story that Adam’s posturing may be fraudulent. He doesn’t provide details of his fights. His leather jacket looks authentically old and worn. He won’t explain why the police are after him. He has a different way of inhaling cigarette smoke, which looks as if he isn’t inhaling. He is cagey about exactly what he does with older girls.
Adam’s true nature is painfully revealed when the bullies confront him and Seth. He refuses to take responsibility for flicking the cigarette butt off the bridge. Instead, he displays disloyalty and cowardice by blaming Seth. When Seth needs his help, Adam does nothing. He covers up his failure by concocting a flimsy excuse about being threatened with a small knife that no one can see. With these lies, Adam’s earlier fabrications become apparent.
When Adam realizes that Seth has seen through his lies, he tries to hang on to Seth. He momentarily shows humanity by helping Seth up and asking if he is going to be all right. Yet as Seth walks away, readers see how their roles are now reversed. Adam shows a desperate need for Seth’s approval. In his newfound insecurity, he quickly reverts to his false bravado, claiming that he will exact revenge on the bullies. Yet Adam’s lies and betrayal have cost him the one friend who believed in his false image.
