Squad 53

Character Analysis

We've already met Zombie, Ringer, and Sammy (a.k.a. "Nugget"): the most important members of Squad 53. We don't get to know the rest of them very well, which echoes the characters' dynamic with each other. Ben tells us,

I don't know their real names. We don't talk about who we were before or how we came to the camp or what happened to our families. (43.3)

Instead, they just shoot stuff and exercise a lot. A lot.

Let's run through a roll call, starting with the dead. Flintstone was a subordinate who had a hard time following orders, and he lost his life because of it. Tank "went Dorothy" (or crazy) when he found out the truth about Camp Haven; he was killed by the Others. And poor Oompa, so named for his love of chocolate, died when he was hit by some shrapnel in battle.

That leaves Poundcake, a silent but capable kid; Dumbo, a twelve-year-old medic; and Teacup, a little girl who's just seven. That's the thing about a child army: they don't sound so impressive, at least on paper.

But make no mistake. These guys have skills.