Family

The theme of family can be traced throughout the novel. Greg is the middle child in a middle-class family. He has a younger and an older brother. He also has difficulty relating to his parents, most notably his father.

Greg’s relationship with each of his brothers is different. He looks up to Rodrick in spite of Rodrick misleading him, as he does when Greg thinks his dad might send him to an orphanage. Rodrick enjoys tormenting his brother and their relationship is a familiar dynamic between an older and younger brother. Greg’s relationship with Manny differs greatly from Rodrick. Greg doesn’t antagonize Manny the way Rodrick does Greg. This is primarily because of Manny’s young age and this may be something that develops as they grow older. Of the three brothers, Manny appears to show some responsibility and cleverness, as is evidenced...