Luis from Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A is the protagonist of the novel. He is a troubled Latino boy who grows up in horrible situations. He loves to learn, and is very talented, but does not believe that his teachers like him, or are willing to work with him. He leaves school believing that living in the gangs are the only avenue open to him. Later, however, someone steps up....a teacher, who gives him hope and he remembers who he was before he was a gang member. This gives him the courage to become a noted writer, artist, and leader for others like him.
