Raphael - is a dumpsite boy and the primary narrator of the novel

Raphael and gardo found the money and tried not to get too exited but were very

His best friend in Behala is Gardo, and unlike many of the others he is always kind to Rat. "He was born seven hours ahead of me, onto the same street, so people say. He's not my brother but he might as well be, beacuse he always knows what i'm thinking, feeling - even what I'm about to say... He can be mean it true - but then again he's taken more beatings than me, so maybe he's grown up faster. One thing I know is I'd want him on my side, always". (pages 7 & 8).

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Although he has not attended much school. Raphael is literate in English would probably have done well had he received a full education.

Throughout his ordeal, Raphael relies on his instincts and intuition to limit the risks he is taking as he knows the world is filled with untrustworthy adults...including law enforcement. "...But everyone knows not to trust them too far". (page 12)

He is fiercely loyal and protective of his friends and family, which gives him the inner strength to persevere.

His experience with the police have left him fearful and unable to sleep as he often has nightmares, however he does not give up the fight. "Gardo has asked me - Rat too - did i come close to giving in? The truth is no, i did not." - Pg. 63. K.P

Being able to read and understand people helps Raphael survive.

He is understanding and does not waste time or energy feeling angry or hateful.

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He lives with his Aunt and is grateful for his family and friends.

Wise beyond his years, his whole life turned upside down with the discovery of a leather wallet. "It fell into my hand:a small leather bag, zipped up tight and covered in coffee grounds.Unzipping it, i found a wallet.Next to that i found a folded up map-and inside the map a key

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Raphael is considerate and generous. He is always fair. "There was eleven hundred pesos inside and that was good money...I sat there laughing and saying a prayer. Gardo was punching me. I didn't mind telling you we almost danced. I gave him 500 pesos because it was fair, because I was the one who found it" (pages 8 & 9). CURTIS

Raphael and gardo found the money and tried not to get too exited but were very

Raphael is aware how the community works and he is wary of the police. When he was subjected to torture and threats, he managed to keep his secret and he never loses his focus on the goal of JUSTICE.

A special is a bag of trash, unripped from the rich area. Micah R

i think rapheal is the leader of the group o

i think rapheal is the leader of the group ali

i think raphael is the smartest considering he had not had a good education. - Oscar

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Raphael is a dumpsite boy he digs through trash to survive he mostly find used tissues and poo. if you get lucky you might find something good but that is very rare. Daniel Tracey

I was a trash boy since I could move without help. Micah R

i fink that Jun-Jun thinks

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