Structure

The short story “Sports Leader” by Jane Rogers follows the main character, an unnamed teenage boy, and focuses on a single event in his life— the time he is robbed of the money he collects at his job.

The story is structured using a traditional plot line to illustrate the character’s perception on the events in his life and his capacity to continue to dream about a better future.

Title

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Beginning

The short story begins with a brief exposition introducing the context of the events and some of the characters:

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Middle

The middle of the short story focuses on the boy’s experience as a window cleaner. The rising action presents what the boy thinks of his job, and what his employer thinks of the boy: “You could see rooms where people lived - kids, mums and dads - you could see all their stuff. Their beds with the duvets thrown back, toys and clothes on the floor, drinks on the bedside table.” (ll. 15-17); “In Phil’s opinion the new boy was not a lot of use. He was that slow, he was doing one house to Phil’s five. But it was never easy getting a decent boy in winter.” (ll. 33-34)

The boy likes his employer because the man gives him coffee and takes him to a fish and chips shop after work.

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Ending

In the falling action, the boy tells his employer what happened and they try to retrieve the money but to no end. Martin denies having taken the money. Phil considers going to the police, but the man at the fish and chips restaurant makes him realise that nobody will believe the boy.

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