Posted

Eric is the point-of-view character of Posted. Throughout the book, Eric faces struggles that are common for middle school students, including family trouble, bullies, and trying to figure out who he is. While he acts as a narrator, Eric is arguably the character who stands out the least. He plays a supporting role to his friends for most of the book, much like the chorus of Julius Caesar (a play he reads for English). In this regard, Eric is an everyman archetype. His nondescript appearance and personality allow the reader to view the story’s events through an uncluttered lens while still experiencing the struggles of a middle-school boy.

At the beginning of the book, Eric lists the roles each of his friends plays in their group. The group as a whole counts on Bench, Deedee, and Wolf to serve specific roles, but Eric doesn’t know his own. After the locker incident, Eric goes to check on Wolf, something the latter deeply appreciates. Eric realizes his friends count on him “for just being there” (347). This realization completes Eric’s character arc and gives him purpose. Like the chorus in Julius Caesar, Eric is vital to the people around him, even if he mainly provides support.