Characterization of Raphael and Gardo in ‘Trash’
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Characterization of Raphael and Gardo in ‘Trash’
Trash by Andy Mulligan is a story about three boys who live in the Behala dirt pile. Raphael Fernandez, Gardo, and their best friend Rat find a bag among the trash which contains money, a wallet, a map, and a key that changes their lives. Raphael, the main character, was born in the muck and, for fourteen years, has sorted through the trash for anything valuable to sell by the kilogram. His best friend, Gardo, also spends his days sorting through the mountain of trash for a living. With other characters’ help, the two boys manage to escape the police, get out of Behala, and live a clean, wealthy life. The characters in this book portray significant values found in relationships.
Raphael Fernandez is naïve, although he has his episodes of clarity. He lives a carefree life, going through the dirt without much hope for change. He has known the dumpsite all his life and does not believe he can find something that will change his life. However, Raphael is witty and wise. With the counsel of his friend, Gardo, he knows better than to reveal his newfound treasure, and they both go to hide it with the help of Rat. Fernandez can escape the police and achieve his goal of supporting Jose Angelico’s daughter and leaving Behala for good.
Gardo, Raphael’s best friend, is tall and skinny. He is also courageous, witty, and caring. Being older than Raphael by seven hours, he takes care of his friend. Raphael considers Gardo his big brother. Gardo is courageous and wise. He knows what to do in the face of trouble and advises Raphael likewise. Gardo is caring; he protects his Fernandez and always takes care of him. The two boys are inseparable and always have each other’s backs. When Raphael finds the bag with money, he gives Gardo 500 pesos and keeps 600. This act demonstrates that Fernandez holds his friend in great regard.
The two boys have several friends who help them in their endeavors. Rat is much younger and loyal to Raphael and Gardo as well. Rat, whose real name is Jun-Jun, agrees to hide the bag they have found for them because the police are looking for the same item. He supports them throughout the whole ordeal until they move out of the trash and live better lives. Olivia, a nun at Mission School in Behala, has a passion for charity. She longs to care for those around her. Through Sister Olivia, the boys get a passport and money to go to prison and meet Gardo’s grandfather. Eventually, the boys can leave the dumpsite with the money they get from Jose’s map and key with their friends’ help.
The prominent personality that is observed in this dump is loyalty. Raphael and Gardo are loyal to each other, to a fault. They guard each other against the police and support one another when faced with trouble. They also have a like mind as they both pretend to know nothing in front of the officers. Rat also shows loyalty when he holds the newfound treasure. Father Juilliard, the voice of reason, guides the boys. The whole community is seen to work together and trust each other to achieve change and freedom from the dumpsite.
The book demonstrates how Raphael and Gardo can move from sorting trash to living a luxurious life. They have friends who support and protect them. Their strong and courageous and kind personality enables them to escape the police, support Jose’s daughter, and free themselves from the dirty life they lived.