There are many examples within the literature that illustrate the character of Mooch. Clearly, Mooch is a complex individual. To begin with, Mooch is a thief. He shows this behavior by constantly “stealing money from June”. June is his girlfriend who works hard to save money to provide for both of them. But Mooch always takes all the money from her jar and spends it on drinking and gambling. June has previously told him that he can’t take her money, but he still chooses to do so. Stealing is a very bad habit that he has that consequently causes big problems in his relationship. However, Mooch is traumatized. He shares that he was “sexually abused by the Priest at his residential school after he attempted to run away.” He has PTSD from this experience as he explains that he has shadows that still haunt him. Therefore, it explains his addictions. Because of all his trauma from residential schools, he gambles with pull-tabs and uses alcohol as coping mechanisms. Lastly, he is very mentally strong. Mooch had witnessed his best friend’s wife, Anna, committing suicide. We learn that June is fearful of Mooch “ending up like Anna.” However, he has yet to jump off the bridge. This demonstrates that although he has been through much trauma, he is strong enough to keep going. He never gives up because he knows there is something worth living for. To conclude, it is evident Mooch is still dealing with many horrific experiences that cause his character to be very complicated.
