His grandfather plays an important role in shaping his character. Whenever he faces a success dilemma, he searches his mind for his grandfather's approval, he says, “It was as if I followed his advice despite myself. And if that wasn't enough, everyone loved me for it" (231). Here we can see how difficult it is for him to find a balance between his desires and those of his family. He is constantly struggling to decide what the right thing to do is. His grandfather is the voice that continues to challenge him in the fight against racial discrimination. She implores him to “continue the good fight”