Chacho in The House of The Scorpion

Hello, reader! I’m about three chapters away from finishing the book, The House of the Scorpion and I’m excited that I’ll finally get to read the ending shortly. This book is different than others then I’ve read in the past. The book is divided into categories based on Matt’s (the main character) age. Since I am finishing the book, I am reading the category, La Vida Nueva or The New Life. This book is so unique because in this category completely different problems occur then the rest of the book although it still ties in with the original conflicts and plots from previous chapters. Along with new plots, come new characters, one I’d actually like to talk to you today. His name is Chacho and he is a Lost Boy from Aztlan.  

            Chacho is one of my all time characters in the book because of his complex personality. He can come across extremely tough, stubborn, and hostile but yet have good intentions and sympathy for his loved ones at the same time. Here is one example of Chacho’s behavior: “Jorge paced back and forth, whisking the cane. Any second now he’d break into a run. He stopped. He gathered his strength for the initial blow. He lunged forward- Matt hurled himself at the Keeper. He drove his head into Jorge’s stomach and tore the cane from the man’s hands. Jorge reeled back, gasping for breath. Matt brought the cane down hard on his shoulder and then used it to force the Keeper to the floor. Chacho came out of nowhere and threw himself into the battle, pummeling Jorge with his fists. “You- hit- little- kids!” At this moment, I can see why some people might take Chacho’s actions as violent and wrong but deep inside, I feel like he’s doing it for a good cause. He’s trying to save his eight year old friend from a beating by their master. Even though he is using force, he is trying to save his friend. Also, there was time where the same friend, Chacho, and Matt were eating and the Keeper (master) prohibited Fidelito (friend) to eat. So, what Chacho did was stare intensely at another boy and boy was so frightened that he gave him half of his lunch. Then, Chacho gave it to Fidelito. This might be seen as bullying, but I also see it as again helping out a friend.

            This might be a weird comparison but Chacho can be compared or similar to the characteristics of a sea urchin; tough, scary, and harmful on the outside but soft on the inside. Alright, thanks for reading!