Stuntboy, in the Meantime

Portico is the protagonist and narrator of Stuntboy, in the Meantime. While his age is never specified, it is suggested that he is somewhere between 10 and 12 years old. Portico is Black and lives in an apartment building that is primarily occupied by other Black residents. His existence is shaped by his apartment building’s culture and sense of community. Portico is deeply optimistic, illustrated by his description of his apartment complex as a castle. However, this optimism often prevents him from grasping the reality of his situation: He doesn’t realize that his parents are separating when they say that they are getting two new apartments, instead focusing on the excitement of living in two places at once. Portico experiences anxiety when he is bullied or upset about his parents fighting, and his story is thus one of Understanding and Experiencing Anxiety. Portico gives himself a superhero identity named Stuntboy, which allows him to be brave, bold, and protective of those around him. He primarily attempts to protect his parents and his best friend, Zola, although he often fails to do so.

Portico is characterized by his excitement about life and what it offers, but this excitement is drained away by his parents, who used to get along and now argue constantly.