The Novel's Protagonist - And Ma And Pa Joad's Favorite Son. He Is Good-natured And Thoughtful And Makes Do With What Life Hands Him. Even Though He Killed A Man And Has Been Separated From His Family For Four Years - He Does Not Waste His Time With Regrets. He Lives Fully For The Present Moment - Which Enables Him To Be A Great Source Of Vitality For The Joad Family. A Wise Guide And Fierce Protector - He Exhibits A Moral Certainty Throughout The Novel That Imbues Him With Strength And Resolve: He Earns The Awed Respect Of His Family Members As Well As The Workers He Later Organizes Into Unions.