J.D. and the Great Barber Battle

J.D. is the protagonist and first-person narrator of J.D. and the Great Barber Battle. At the outset of the novel, J.D.’s favorite activities include art and sports, and these two pursuits show that he is both individually driven and a team player. As the novel progresses, J.D.’s art talent transforms, and when he begins to develop his skill at cutting hair, this development illustrates the similarities between his various interests. As Jordan tells J.D., “You’re always good with things in your hands” (49). While J.D. is aware of his skill, he draws support from the fact that his friends also recognize his talent at the barber business, and their encouragement helps J.D. to find the resolve to stand up for what he wants and challenge Henry Jr. to the barber battle. 

J.D.’s enterprising nature makes him a role model, particularly in the way he faces his fears and overcomes opposition to achieve his goals. At the same time, some aspects of his ambition become a cautionary tale. Although everything works out for J.D. in the end, the constant challenges that he faces show that he is ill-prepared for the competitive world he is entering.