Cracker

“The apartment didn’t allow dogs. The landlord had given Willie’s family one month to get rid of Cracker.”

In the exposition, the reader learns how Cracker and Rick Hanski end up together in Vietnam. Willie’s predicament is revealed in Chapter 1: He must surrender his beloved dog. This results in Cracker being given to the Army, which drives the plot toward her involvement in the Vietnam War.

“Cracker felt Willie’s unhappiness and whined.”

Cracker is revealed to be an intuitive dog who cares deeply for her owner’s well-being. This refers to the theme of Companionship and Loyalty. It also alludes to Cracker’s lifesaving role in Vietnam, where she—motivated by love and loyalty—saves Rick and the lives of countless other servicemen by successfully identifying snipers and traps.

“She bit a fellow who brought her food in, just because he annoyed her. She felt furious with everybody, even the people who just walked in front of her cage.”

Cracker’s aggression is revealed here, creating a starting point for her dynamic character arc. This also foreshadows Rick’s challenges in training Cracker, who is strong and obstinate. Once Rick earns Cracker’s trust and love, she becomes a great partner. Her aggression also foreshadows her viciously attacking enemy soldiers in Vietnam, saving Rick’s life.