What makes Zachariah Martin a likeable protagonist?

Use this forum to discuss the November 2019 Book of the month, "Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath", by Randy Miller.
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Erin Dydek
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Re: What makes Zachariah Martin a likeable protagonist?

Post by Erin Dydek »

I liked Zach’s willingness to take a stand for what he believed in, his fiery spirit when he won slapsies with the captain and threw the rock at the milkshake people. I loved his determination to prove himself as a gunner and his change in demeanor after realizing that the guns were killing innocent civilians just trying to live their lives. His transition back to farm life made me admire him for his hardworking and humble nature and I was distraught about his deteriorating condition. Especially when he felt so helpless and unable to support Tally.
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Post by lwahls2 »

Overall Zachariah is a stand up guy. He is loyal, brave and determined to do what is right. I don’t think I could list all of the actions that made him likeable because there are just too many.
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Post by mariana90 »

djr6090 wrote: 04 Nov 2019, 15:46 I like watching him mature. He starts out kind of timid and naive, and ends up being the mouse who roared. He was definitely a memorably character.
100% agreed!! After following his personal growth so closely, one can't help but become invested in his story and root for him.
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Post by Chelsey Coles »

I love that Zack's sense of duty remained constant. But I also love that he went into the war thinking one way and came out thinking another way. Yet he is nowhere near perfect and knows this. He is simple yet intuitive. He is extremely accepting of others and intelligent.
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Everydayadventure15 wrote: 22 Nov 2019, 09:01 I liked Zach’s willingness to take a stand for what he believed in, his fiery spirit when he won slapsies with the captain and threw the rock at the milkshake people. I loved his determination to prove himself as a gunner and his change in demeanor after realizing that the guns were killing innocent civilians just trying to live their lives. His transition back to farm life made me admire him for his hardworking and humble nature and I was distraught about his deteriorating condition. Especially when he felt so helpless and unable to support Tally.
He all wanted to serve the best for his country, family and especially to Tally. His character is not far from real events. A man usually think of what are the best things for his family. Sometimes, unpredictable circumstances made them useless and hopeless.
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Post by chelhack »

He is hard-working funny and down to earth. He is forthcoming about all sides, not just the good or bad of one particular side.
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Post by Beckas79 »

Zach is likeable because he has integrity. He is whole and undivided in his determination to return home to Tally and to his farm. He works hard, both on the farm and on the ship and does what is asked of him. He doesn't whine. He knows his own mind. He's the kind of person you'd like to have as a friend, because you'd know you could always trust him. :)
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Post by wordslinger42 »

I think it was his humility. He didn't use his time in the service as a reason to puff himself up and act like he was better than everyone else. Instead, he had this humble willingness to serve his friends, family, country, etc., and that was really beautiful to see. I think it helped readers feel ever more invested in his story and gave them a stronger desire to keep rooting for him right up to the last page.
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Post by wordslinger42 »

Beckas79 wrote: 29 Nov 2019, 13:49 Zach is likeable because he has integrity. He is whole and undivided in his determination to return home to Tally and to his farm. He works hard, both on the farm and on the ship and does what is asked of him. He doesn't whine. He knows his own mind. He's the kind of person you'd like to have as a friend, because you'd know you could always trust him. :)
I mentioned his humility, but I also agree with you that his integrity made him likeable and memorable! He had such a great devotion to family, friends, and country, and it just made you want to see him succeed throughout the whole book!
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Post by wordslinger42 »

jeminah28 wrote: 26 Nov 2019, 19:50
Everydayadventure15 wrote: 22 Nov 2019, 09:01 I liked Zach’s willingness to take a stand for what he believed in, his fiery spirit when he won slapsies with the captain and threw the rock at the milkshake people. I loved his determination to prove himself as a gunner and his change in demeanor after realizing that the guns were killing innocent civilians just trying to live their lives. His transition back to farm life made me admire him for his hardworking and humble nature and I was distraught about his deteriorating condition. Especially when he felt so helpless and unable to support Tally.
He all wanted to serve the best for his country, family and especially to Tally. His character is not far from real events. A man usually think of what are the best things for his family. Sometimes, unpredictable circumstances made them useless and hopeless.
I really admired his devotion to helping others and his humility. I think he's one of the most selfless characters I've encountered in a book!
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Post by Abacus »

He was honorable.
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Post by Jeremie Mondejar »

wordslinger42 wrote: 30 Nov 2019, 13:58
jeminah28 wrote: 26 Nov 2019, 19:50
Everydayadventure15 wrote: 22 Nov 2019, 09:01 I liked Zach’s willingness to take a stand for what he believed in, his fiery spirit when he won slapsies with the captain and threw the rock at the milkshake people. I loved his determination to prove himself as a gunner and his change in demeanor after realizing that the guns were killing innocent civilians just trying to live their lives. His transition back to farm life made me admire him for his hardworking and humble nature and I was distraught about his deteriorating condition. Especially when he felt so helpless and unable to support Tally.
He all wanted to serve the best for his country, family and especially to Tally. His character is not far from real events. A man usually think of what are the best things for his family. Sometimes, unpredictable circumstances made them useless and hopeless.
I really admired his devotion to helping others and his humility. I think he's one of the most selfless characters I've encountered in a book!
He is one of a kind. He knows when to calm down and blow an enemy's face. :lol: :lol:
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Post by Urbashi Basu »

I liked Zach's integrity and faithfulness to Tally. In the very beginning when he plays 'slapsies' and wins against chief McCoy he has me rooting for him.
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Post by Paige Alvarado »

I felt that his loyalty to Tally was very admirable. I also liked that he stood up to the government in order to ensure that Tally was well taken care of after his sickness took hold.
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Post by Paige Alvarado »

Beckas79 wrote: 29 Nov 2019, 13:49 Zach is likeable because he has integrity. He is whole and undivided in his determination to return home to Tally and to his farm. He works hard, both on the farm and on the ship and does what is asked of him. He doesn't whine. He knows his own mind. He's the kind of person you'd like to have as a friend, because you'd know you could always trust him. :)
I really liked that he didn't complain when orders were given to him, as some of his shipmates did. That was refreshing. The last thing I would want to see is him whining about the work he signed on for.
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