The Great Greene Heist

Jackson Greene lives by the Greene Code of Conduct, a set of 15 rules that set parameters for a successful heist. However, as the rules are incorporated into the narrative, the reader understands Jackson’s rules are not just a recipe for a successful con but a solid set of guidelines for living life. A rule like Number Ten, “Never con anyone who doesn’t deserve to be conned. Never hurt innocent bystanders” (228) can be applied to many situations and speaks to fairness and kindness, guiding virtues for a principled life. Other rules speak to avoiding violence, the importance of hard work, and the necessity of proper planning and thoughtful consideration before acting. Though he inherited the Code of Conduct from his grandfather, a notorious con man, Jackson employs the rules in his life, not for criminal acts, but as guidelines for creating justice and equity in his school. The code is important to Jackson, but even he recognizes that sometimes rules should be cast aside in the name of friendship. When he learns Gaby’s election is in danger and Keith is threatening to defund certain clubs, he states, “Some rules deserve to be broken for the greater good” (40).