Antagonist In Maniac Magee

In every story there is an antagonist who is fighting against the main character. Maniac makes this true for the book Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. In the first part of the book, Maniac annoys people without realising it and without wanting to. In the second part, Maniac turns down offers of a better life because of his worries and fears of being hurt by anyone he gets close to. In the last part of the book, Maniac chooses to stop looking after himself and gives up on life; he also speaks his mind and people get upset. Maniac is the antagonist in Maniac Magee because he is against himself throughout the book as he gives up on himself and lets himself lose relationships. In the first part of the book, Maniac annoys people without realising it and without wanting to. This causes people to become angry at him, “He could not see that Mars Bar disliked him, maybe even hated him” (Page 57). He is clearly unable to
Maniac stops looking after himself and waits for death in a cabin at Valley Forge. He feels like nothing in his life can go right, so he gives up on life rather than trying to make things better for himself. Another time that Maniac is being an antagonist is when Maniac invites Mars Bar over to the McNabs’ house for Russell and Piper’s birthday party. Maniac does not realise that Mars Bar will be offended by the McNabs and their racism towards blacks. Mars Bar becomes angry and annoyed at Maniac. Also, when Mars Bar asks Maniac why he does not ever stay at his house Maniac does not give a reason. That hurts Mars Bar’s feelings and makes him feel as if he is not wanted. Maniac still not going to his house makes Mars Bar even sadder. Maniac does not understand that would happen. Throughout this last part, Maniac gives up on life and does not realise the reasons behind people’s emotions; so he speaks his mind, does whatever he wants and people end up becoming