How does the author compare and contrast Perry's experiences in public and private high schools in the novel, All-American?

His new friends at the public high school—Jim Stacey, Meyer Goldman, Gordon Brewster, and Ned LeRoy—and his girlfriend Sandra Fuller are stereotypes. Similarly, the prep school boys are all self-centered, self-confident, and casually patronizing, with the exception of one southerner who is an obvious bigot. But the characters' personalities are distinct if predictable, and Tunis's effective use of dialogue makes their conversations with Perry plausible.

Tunis treats adult characters with more depth. Continuing the contrast between the world of the academy and the world of the public high school, "Duke" Hetherington exemplifies the welldressed, stylish, always calm and amiable prep school headmaster. Practically idolized by the boys, he remains above the fray but retains control over everything. The principal of the public school disappoints Perry with his ordinary appearance, his comparative lack of style, and his informal manner, but Mr. Curry's strong principles, subtle instructional methods, perceptive sense of character, and commitment to his students soon become apparent. Also part of the contrast between the two schools, the academy's coaches are primarily teachers with an amateur competence at their sport, while the high school coach played professional ball.