Dragons in a Bag

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and racism.

Jaxon is the novel’s protagonist. The nine-year old is perceptive of others’ emotions, such as when he notes that his mother fears that they will be evicted despite her efforts to conceal this from him. This trait helps him in his role as the story’s narrator. Jaxon likes to be helpful, and adults often describe him as “a good influence” because he is “usually a very obedient boy” (4, 22).

He is also a quick learner. He impresses Ma with his geographical knowledge, and he readily embraces and adapts to the revelation that magic is real. Jaxon’s dynamic character arc guides the theme of The Journey Toward Responsibility and Personal Growth. At the start of the novel, he is trepidatious and shies away from Ma: “I want to hold Mama’s hand, but instead I take another step back and hold onto the straps of my book bag” (4). As the story continues, Jaxon becomes more confident and more resolute. The responsibilities he takes on through his connection with Ma are an important part of this growth: “I’m Ma’s helper, and I have to find a way to bring her home, too” (73).