bullet boy character analysis

Key character analysis

Ricky- the films main character and this story is about him, his family and life in his environment. The first time we see him he is in a prison cell. This shows us Ricky is a criminal although throughout the film we learn Ricky is smart. He knows the difference between right and wrong however his environment traps him and this is why he can’t escape the criminal life. I believe although Ricky is a criminal, he is still a good person; his environment influenced how he lived his life. Ricky has a chance to leave this environment but he doesn’t take the opportunity he is given. I think Ricky feels one thing but does the opposite, although he longs to escape this environment he decides to keep helping wisdom. Ricky has a lot of love for both Shea and Beverly although I think both women do make excuses for his actions and behavior. He believes he can’t leave this environment because it’s his only option. Ricky didn’t instigate any of the actions that lead to him getting murdered.

Curtis- Curtis is Ricky’s younger brother. He looks up to his elder brother and likes to copy things he does. Curtis and his friend Rio are a reflection of Ricky and his friend Wisdom. I think Curtis and Ricky represent the good in a bad place and Wisdom and Rio represent how growing up in a criminal environment can lead you to live a criminal life.

Wisdom- I think Wisdom is completely trapped in this environment. Ricky has a chance to get out but Wisdom has almost gone too far. Ricky ends up getting killed because of him. He is always reinforcing the idea of defending your honor or respect. Wisdom pressures Ricky into this environment, telling him that he owes him, he has scars because of Ricky. He forces Ricky into this life because its all he has ever known. All of the conflict with Godfrey is caused because he didn’t fix his mistake. I think wisdom acts without hesitation and doesn’t really think about how his actions can affect others. Because he refused to pay Godfrey for the damage caused to his car him and Ricky end up dead.

Godfrey- is the films villain. We only see him during conflict with wisdom and Ricky. I think Godfrey represents that idea of ‘respect’ and defending your honor. For everything that Ricky and Wisdom do to him, he must retaliate back. He feels he must defend his honor, as do Wisdom and Ricky. He acts very aggressive and confrontational.

Leon- Leon’s character is very interesting. We know that he one lived a life of crime like Ricky did, but he was able to learn and escape his environment. He represents what Ricky’s life could be like if he got out of this environment.

He describes crime as a ‘never ending circle’. He knew that it would lead to nowhere which is why he encourages Ricky to get out whilst he can.                  Rio- Rio is Curtis’s best friend. I believe Rio helps introduce Curtis to a criminal environment as he encouraged him to do drugs. I think he is a young representation of Wisdom. After Curtis shoots Rio he visits him in hospital where Curtis says ‘you owe me’. This is very similar to a line Wisdom says just before their first confrontation with Godfrey. Rio and Wisdom both represent this idea of being in debt to someone.

Beverly- I believe Beverly is a strong woman and a caring mother. She eventually makes the hard decision to shut Ricky out of her life to prevent the same life for her other son, Curtis. I think she knows Ricky is too far in this environment and she doesn’t want Curtis to become a criminal either.

I think after Curtis shoots Rio she understands she must do this, to protect Curtis. I think she wants the best for her children which why she is shown as being a good provider.

Shea- Shea is Ricky’s girlfriend. I think she is at first shown as naïve because Ricky suggests they should leave together and she likes the idea at first but she knows by the end of the film that Ricky is too far gone into this environment. I then believe she is shown as very strong and knows what’s best for her. Although she loves Ricky she knows that she can’t be with him because of his environment.

How are women represented in Bullet Boy?

I believe the women in bullet boy are represented as being a bit naïve at first but then as plot grows you understand they are actually strong, know what’s best for them and the people around them. Although there are only 2 female characters I still think we learn a lot from these women about this environment, and with Beverly, raising children in it.

How are men represented in Bullet Boy?

There are 6 male characters in bullet boy however the all represent men very differently. Wisdom and Godfrey both convey the idea of ‘defending your honor’ and they’re both quite similar as they are confrontational and violent.