Gene and Finny are the two main characters and come across as complete opposites. Gene is introverted and values learning. He prefers to think through things and make rational decisions. However, Gene is not strong-willed. He is easily pressured by Finny which isn’t good for him in the long run. Rather than reason which rule to break and why it’s worth breaking, Gene goes into periods of either abiding the rules or breaking them. When he follows rules, he does it without question and usually only without Finny around. Yet, when he breaks rules, he usually only does it because Finny asks him to and with little other reason. He is capable of thinking for himself, but doesn’t put any of his thoughts into action, preferring to follow the whims of Devon or Finny.

Finny is the opposite. He is extroverted and values athletic ability. Finny often doesn’t think through things, particularly the consequences of his actions and pulls along anyone with him which is usually Gene. This also reveals his irresponsibility as he isn’t concerned whether others following him will get in trouble.  As well, he creates his own reality, fabricating stories in his head so that he doesn’t have to face the truth. He does this with the war and Gene jouncing the tree limb. For Finny, life is the present and the future is a far off period that won’t come or when it does he can simply find another escape from it. Eventually, he won’t be able to run and he should grow up a little.