Final answer:
Rowdy has the most profound impact on Junior's identity in the novel. Their complex relationship, which endures despite the conflicts of Junior attending an all-white high school, reflects Junior's past and future aspirations. Rowdy's influence is evident in Junior's persistence and boldness in seeking a new life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the characters of Rowdy, Penelope, Gordy, and Mary in the coming-of-age novel, Rowdy has the most profound impact on Junior’s quest to find his own identity. Rowdy and Junior's relationship is complex; they are best friends on the Spokane reservation but become rivals when Junior decides to attend an all-white high school. Despite the tension and conflict, Rowdy remains a defining figure in Junior's life. As the novel progresses, Rowdy serves as a mirror for Junior, reflecting both who he has been and who he aspires to be. The emotional depth and resonance of their friendship provide a strong narrative force that propels Junior's development.
Rowdy, being Junior’s friend since childhood, represents the life Junior is leaving behind. Their friendship endures despite the physical separation and cultural differences that arise when Junior transfers to Reardan High School. The struggles Junior faces in navigating a new social space are contrasted with Rowdy’s own journey of acceptance and understanding. The eventual reconciliation between them signifies Junior's growth and his ability to maintain ties to his community while also forging a new path. Rowdy's influence shows in Junior's resilience, ambition to break from the cycle of despair on the reservation, and his pursuit of a different future. This dynamic showcases the impact personal relationships have on identity formation, a recurrent theme in the novel.