Character Analysis
Claude is T.J.'s little brother. He's about the same age as Little Man, and is friends with the Logans. He's described as skinny and frail, and "smile[s] weakly as if it pained him to do so" (1.20). This little boy is beaten by the mob at the end of the book:
Then quiet, gentle Claude was hauled out, knocked to the ground and kicked. (11.65)
Remember: Claude is only about six years old, since he's described as being about the same age as Little Man. Plus, he's little, painfully thin, and weak. The cruel treatment of this helpless child really emphasizes the uncaring brutality of racism.