In The Force of One by Bryce Courtenay, Hoppie Groenewald is a train guard, train conductor, and star welterweight boxer. While reading the book, the reader will notice that Hoppie does not have as large a role as other characters, but he is undoubtedly the strongest male presence in Peekay's life. So far, a male figure is something Peekay needs: someone who is a good role model for him, someone who inspires him forever. Being the first male figure to take care of Peekay, being a good role model and having a good first impression is very important. Courtenay creates Hoppie as a thoughtful and determined individual whose characteristics allow him to inspire many others, including Peekay. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Peekay needs someone to watch and care for him, someone who sincerely cares for him because he feels a deep loneliness. Courtenay employs Hoppie specifically to do this, to fill the hole in Peekay's empty pit of loneliness. Hoppie is a very caring person; he feeds Peekay and makes sure he is always properly dressed and comfortable. When Peekay first meets Hoppie, he embarrasses himself by tripping while climbing a steep staircase. After this happens, Hoppie says, "Don't worry, little brother, I've fallen on those green steps many times too" (63). Hoppie says this because he knows that Peekay feels embarrassed because he will be on a train with these people for the next two days. Now they know him as “the boy who fell down the steps”. This shows that Hoppie cares for people, especially Peekay, in many ways. One way is that he goes out of his way to notice that Peekay is embarrassed and tries to fix it. Additionally, Hoppie uses the affectionate term, "little brother," to make Peekay feel cared for. This is a key moment in their relationship. Peekay feels a bond with Hoppie because they both share the same embarrassment of falling down the stairs. It's also a key moment because it's one of the first times he isn't called “rooinek,” a derogatory term for people of English descent. Later in the story, after they meet and grow closer, Peekay begins to cry. Hoppie says, “Sometimes it's good to cry, sometimes you fight better after having a good cry. Now tell old Hoppie what the matter is” (69). This shows that Hoppie cares deeply about Peekay. It makes Peekay feel comfortable while he cries. He could have told Peekay not to cry, but instead he asks Peekay what's wrong and tells him it's okay to cry. This shows his deep affection and sympathy for young Peekay. Who he just met and barely knows. Even though she just met him, she wants to get to know him on a deeper level. While befriending Peekay, Hoppie unwittingly becomes his first role model. As an essential personal quality, determination is something Peekay will need if he is to survive the rest of his life. Hoppie, as Peekay's model, will be able to teach him this trait. He is the most determined individual Peekay has ever met and being determined is an important character trait to have during this time in South Africa. Hoppie introduces himself to Peekay as: "I who am a guard and will soon be a conductor too" (63). Hoppie knows that he has worked very hard at his job and is determined to get a promotion because he wants to become the conductor. He is great at his job and even goes out of his way to make sure Peekay is well taken care of by taking him out for food and getting new stickers. This is that extra step that his determination gives him to be the best worker”(103).