Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Living… with his mother and brother in Venice Beach, California, a neighborhood that has changed significantly over the past decade. Growing up, Derek used to feel like he owned this town. The basketball courts, the beach - it all belonged to him. Then, the gangs moved in and everything changed.
Profession… steering his life straight after prison. Before being incarcerated, Derek used to spend all his time and energy fighting for the white agenda.
Interests… making amends. Derek used to host meetings for fellow white supremacists. He wanted desperately to spread his beliefs and obtain followers. After being released from jail, all Derek wants is to keep his younger brother Danny from repeating his mistakes.
Relationship Status… trying to move on. Derek used to be completely devoted to his girlfriend Stacey, who agreed wholeheartedly with the white supremacist agenda. Now that everything has changed, Derek just wants to move on.
Challenge… adapting his beliefs. Prison provided him the opportunity to let go of the baggage he had been carrying around for years. Now, his main challenge is to save his brother Danny from himself.
Personality… reformed. His old crowd would probably call him a "sellout.” It takes real courage to change and stand by it, in spite of those around you.
Get to Know him in...
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Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving three years in prison for killing two thugs who tried to break into/steal his truck. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.
