Calvin O'keefe is a 14 year old boy who struggles with family issues. He is a very sweet boy who always want to help people, and does not have a hard time fitting in. However, he has a dysfunctional family. He is told that he is too weak, too sensitive, and too eager to please people; that's not what men do. Throughout the novel he is finding a family with the Murry's who he helps find their father. The Murry's support and help Calvin in later situations. Toward the end of the novel he learns what love feel like, and is considered a member of the Murry family.