Final answer:
In the book Because of Mr. Terupt, Alexia is mean due to her insecurities and struggles with expressing her emotions. However, she undergoes character development and shows compassion towards her classmates.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the book Because of Mr. Terupt, Alexia is portrayed as mean because she feels insecure and struggles with expressing her emotions in a healthy way. She often lashes out at others, particularly her classmates, as a defense mechanism.
Throughout the story, it is revealed that Alexia's behavior stems from a difficult home life and a fear of being vulnerable. For example, she is frequently absent from school due to her parents' financial struggles, which leads to her feeling disconnected from her peers.
It is important to note that as the story progresses, Alexia's character evolves and she begins to demonstrate compassion and empathy towards her classmates, ultimately breaking free from her mean-spirited behavior.