1. The desire to protect his younger brother Erik: Antoine deeply cares for Erik and feels responsible for him, especially after Erik becomes the target of bullying and violence. He initially tries to protect Erik by simply being physically present and standing up to bullies, but as the situation escalates, his actions become more desperate.
2. The frustration and anger towards the injustice he perceives: Antoine feels deeply wronged by the school system and those in power, particularly after he is wrongly accused of a crime Erik committed. This injustice, coupled with the ongoing bullying and violence, fuels his anger and drives him to act.
3. The influence of his brother's actions: While Antoine is trying to protect Erik, he is also influenced by Erik's own choices and actions. Erik's increasing reliance on drugs and his desire to be accepted by the "cool kids" put Antoine in a difficult position.
Specifically, Antoine does the following:
* He defends Erik from bullies, sometimes using physical force.
* He investigates the truth behind the crime Erik is accused of.
* He stands up to authority figures, like the principal and coach, who he believes are unfair.
* He attempts to help Erik overcome his drug addiction.
* He tries to find his place in the community, despite the challenges he faces.
Antoine's actions are often impulsive and fueled by emotion. He struggles with his anger and his desire to protect Erik, and his choices sometimes lead to unintended consequences. However, he is ultimately driven by love and loyalty, and his actions reflect his strong desire to do what he believes is right, even if it means defying the norms of his community.