American Graffiti

Characters

Curt, the protagonist and narrator of the film American Graffiti, is an intelligent and idealistic teenager who is faced with a difficult decision: stay with his friends or pursue his future and go to college in the fall. But why does he have to make this decision?

Why cant he have both?

He is torn between his love for his friends and his desire to make a better life for himself. His friends represent a safe haven, a place of comfort and familiarity, while college offers an opportunity to grow and learn.

Its an age-old dilemma, and one that Curt must face head-on as he navigates the complexities of growing up.

Steve: The leader of the group, Steve is a popular jock who is determined to enjoy his last summer before college.

Steve is the leader of the group in American Graffiti. Hes a popular jock who is determined to make the most of his last summer before college. But what is it that makes Steve so popular? Is it his easy-going attitude? His willingness to take charge? His ability to keep the group out of trouble? Whatever the reason, its clear that Steve is the one the gang looks to for direction. And hes ready to take them all along for the ride.

John: The rebellious one of the group, John is an aspiring race car driver who is obsessed with cars.

John is the rebellious one of the group in American Graffiti. Hes an aspiring race car driver, and is obsessed with cars. But what does that really mean? Does it mean hes constantly tinkering with them, or just loves to watch them race? Does he have a need for speed, or is he just trying to show off? Whatever the reason, its clear that Johns passion for cars is a defining feature of his character in the movie. Hes not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, even when it means getting into trouble. Hes the risk-taker of the group, and his obsession with cars is a reflection of that.

Terry: The shy loner of the group, Terry is an introspective artist who is dealing with the loss of his father.

Terry is the shy loner of the American Graffiti group. Hes an introspective artist, dealing with the loss of his father. Why is he so introspective? What has his loss of his father meant for him? How has he been able to cope?

The answers to these questions are not made explicit in the movie, yet we can infer a great deal from the way Terry interacts with the other characters. He is a solitary figure, often found sketching, painting or just looking out at the stars. His art is a reflection of his inner turmoil, a way of processing his grief and coming to terms with what he has lost.