Who Are The Main Characters In Taking Sides?

So the drama’s heating up in Gail Gauthier’s Taking Sides. Who are the central personalities driving the story? I’m just getting into the conflict.
2026-03-25 01:31:54
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9 Answers

Best Answer
Vance
Vance
Plot Detective Data Analyst
The main characters in 'Taking Sides' are twin brothers Leo and Marcus, who end up leading opposing factions after their kingdom splits. That setup of a personal, family-level conflict driving a larger war is always compelling. It reminds me of the premise in 'He Picked the Wrong Side', where a royal guard's split-second decision to protect the 'wrong' princess throws him into a decades-old conspiracy, forcing him to question every loyalty he ever had while on the run.
2026-07-31 09:10:03
43
Stella
Stella
Reply Helper Editor
'Taking Sides' centers on Lincoln, but the relationships define the story. His bond with Tony crackles with tension—they’re like brothers caught between loyalty and change. Coach Yesutis is another standout, pushing Lincoln to question his assumptions. Even minor characters, like Lincoln’s new classmates, add layers to his struggle between two worlds. Soto’s knack for dialogue makes every interaction crackle, whether it’s a heated game or a quiet moment with his mom. It’s less about who’s 'main' and more about how they all push Lincoln toward his tipping point.
2026-03-26 05:39:28
2
Theo
Theo
Insight Sharer Police Officer
Lincoln Mendoza is the heart of 'Taking Sides,' but the supporting cast really brings the story to life. There's his mom, who's quietly resilient, working multiple jobs to keep them afloat. She doesn't get a ton of page time, but her influence is everywhere—especially in Lincoln's guilt about 'abandoning' his roots. Then you've got Coach Yesutis, who's kind of a hard-nosed figure but challenges Lincoln to grow. His new teammate Roy, a rich kid with a chip on his shoulder, adds friction, while Monica, a classmate, offers a glimpse of connection outside sports.

What I love is how Soto avoids making anyone purely good or bad. Even Tony, Lincoln's old friend, isn't just the 'angry bestie' archetype; his frustration feels justified. The characters clash in ways that feel messy and human, especially when pride and cultural identity collide on the basketball court.
2026-03-30 19:59:05
4
Elias
Elias
Ending Guesser Engineer
The novel 'Taking Sides' by Gary Soto revolves around Lincoln Mendoza, a Mexican-American teenager navigating culture clashes after moving from a predominantly Latino neighborhood to a wealthier, mostly white suburb. Lincoln's passion for basketball becomes a bridge—and sometimes a battleground—between his old identity and new surroundings. His mom, who works hard to give him opportunities, and his coach, who pushes him to see beyond stereotypes, play key roles too.

Then there's Tony, his best friend from his old neighborhood, who represents the life Lincoln left behind. Their friendship strains as Lincoln adapts to his new school, especially when he faces his former team on the court. The tension isn't just about basketball; it's about loyalty, pride, and figuring out where he belongs. Soto does a fantastic job making these characters feel real—flawed, relatable, and full of heart.
2026-03-31 17:34:21
12
KenDay
KenDay
Longtime Reader Chef
I appreciate that the Soto novel doesn't give Lincoln a pat, easy ending. He doesn't fully 'solve' his identity crisis. He doesn't completely mend things with Tony. He just takes small steps. The characters end the story in a state of becoming, which feels true to life. His mom is still figuring out her new marriage. Roy is still trying to connect. Tony is still proud and hurt. They're all works in progress. So the main characters are presented not as finished arcs, but as people mid-journey. It's a hopeful ending because it's an open one—they have the capacity to keep growing, keep understanding each other. That's a rare and honest approach in a coming-of-age story.
2026-08-02 14:16:42
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