The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales

Content Warning: This section discusses alcohol abuse and depictions of slavery.

Out of the animal characters in Part 1, he Lion is the most dynamic. When the story starts, he Lion is an antagonistic character. He’s selfish and isn’t a helpful member of the animal community. He doesn’t care that his bombastic behavior scares the little animals.

He Lion isn’t an unredeemable bully. Bruh Bear and Bruh Rabbit speak to him and introduce him to Man, and the violent encounter teaches he Lion a lesson and changes his behavior. The narrator notes, “[A]fter he Lion met Man, things were some better in the forest” (11). Humbled, he Lion becomes “more peaceable” and lets the tiny animals “go out in the mornin” (12).

Other animal characters learn lessons, yet the lessons don’t change their relationship with other animals. He Lion goes from an antagonistic character to a protagonist—a main character worth championing. He adjusts his behavior to spread harmony, so his relationship with the animals changes. He lion improves and grows—estimable traits—so he Lion goes from unlikable to likable.

Anton and Manuel are the protagonists of their respective stories. The reader takes their side and wants them to succeed and triumph over the applicable powers.