Two Wolves

Thirteen-year-old Ben Silver is the protagonist of Two Wolves. Ben is a precocious and brave Australian boy, though he suffers from low self-esteem due to criticism from his domineering father, Ray. Ben’s father thinks that he is weak, unmanly, and sensitive, and throughout the novel, he mocks Ben for being scared or anxious in difficult circumstances. Ben has internalized many of his father’s critiques, such as that he is “slightly overweight” (5), and he constantly doubts his ability to take care of himself and his little sister. Ben’s character arc hinges on his acceptance or rejection of his father’s disapproval, and his growth is rooted in learning how and when to confront his father, eventually besting him in a physical altercation.

Despite his father’s criticisms, Ben is shown to be strong, resourceful, and moral. Additionally, he is creative, working on writing and a stop-motion picture without anyone guiding him. Ben has a strong attachment to his sister, Olive, despite their age gap and Ben’s annoyance at her attitude, and much of the second half of the novel is devoted to his efforts to protect Olive in the woods. He also has a strong and loving relationship with his mother despite his disappointment at her continued acquiescence to his father’s demands.