What is the Pritchard family is like?

The two Pritchard boys are "stock characters," rather stereotypical "bad guys," who provide a foil for Billy's inherent goodness. They bring out the worst in Grandpa but, ironically, the best in Billy. Uncouth and unwashed, they are the typical low-life characters who show up when all is going well and place a huge boulder in the main character's road. Their behavior is believable, though, and Rubin's death is chillingly authentic. As part of the large Pritchard clan, they pose a direct contrast to the warm, lively Colman family.