Final answer:
Gabriel, the stepfather in James Baldwin's "The Rockpile," is best adapted to the violence of the setting due to his hardened attitude and authoritative personality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "The Rockpile" by James Baldwin, the character that seems best adapted to the violence of the setting is Gabriel. Gabriel is the stepfather of John and the father of Roy, and his presence in the story is one of authority and physicality. Although not depicted in a positive light, Gabriel is familiar with the nature of the neighborhood's violence and seems to have a hardened attitude towards it. This is evident both in how he reacts to Roy getting hurt and how he manages his household with strictness. His persona reflects someone who has acclimated to the harsh realities of his environment.