The closest character the narrative has to a “protagonist”—though a morally questionable one at times—is Keith, one of the Biloxi “boys.” The narrative starts by aligning him with his childhood friend Hugh, emphasizing their similarities:

Their families lived two streets apart. Their parents and grandparents knew each other well. They went to the same Catholic church, the same schools, played in the same streets, sandlots, and beaches, and fished with their fathers in the Gulf on lazy weekends (8).

However, the boys’ paths eventually diverge. Keith follows the path of his father, Jesse, becoming a lawyer and, later, assuming Jesse’s DA position after his death. It’s when Keith starts to come into this position of power that he starts to show morally dubious traits—a hint that power can corrupt. Keith’s mission to avenge his father’s death drives the remainder of the narrative. It also drives his own rise to power; for example, he’s determined to become AG so that he can speed Hugh’s execution. The idea of pursuing political office in the interest of killing another man is uncomfortable, if not downright abhorrent. Keith’s bloodlust becomes even more questionable when Hugh petitions the governor for clemency. When the governor consults Keith on the topic, Keith says: “I want him executed” (445).