What are three ways that James developed as a character?

Over the course of the novel, James' character develops in a few different ways. After his step-father's death, he loses interest in school, hangs out with the wrong gang, and in general, begins to use alcohol and marijuana as a substitute for the things he believes he lacks. James' behavior continues in this way until Ruth discovers what hes doing and sends him away to live with his sister.

While James is staying with his sister, he spends a lot of time with a group of men, who hang together outside of a liquor store and drink. It is there that James learns some important life lessons, particularly, from Chicken Man, who warns James that if he doesn't get himself sorted out, he will end up like him. James, however, doesn't take Chicken Man's words to heart until he is murdered a few days later.

Chicken Man's death was eye opening, and his murder prompted James to get himself together. It is at this point that James truly begins to develop as a person. He puts his uncaring attitude and bad behavior behind him...... he goes to school, earns his degree, and becomes a writer. Chicken Man's death is in many ways responsible for the man that James becomes.