Webster's Dictionary defines "hero" as the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work. That person is Rolf Carlé, the main character in the book. Carlé's lover narrates this story. Carlé is a TV reporter, who is on assignment in South America, where a volcano has just erupted. There is mass confusion and chaos everywhere. Throughout Carlé's journey he find a girl, Azucena, who is trapped in the soft clay ground on which her house once stood. This girl is has a big impact on Carlé, and allows the reader to get to know the real Carlé.

One major characteristic of Carlé is determination. He is determined to save Azucena. He is doing everything he can possibly think of to try and save. He tried to pull her out with rope. He tried to use a poll as a lever to push her out. After...