Early in the story:
* Innocent and playful: We initially see Billy Jo as a mischievous yet loving boy, full of youthful energy and a strong bond with his mother.
* Dependent on his mother: He relies heavily on Mama for emotional support, guidance, and even physical care.
* Fearful of the dust bowl: He feels overwhelmed and afraid of the harsh conditions, desperately wishing for rain and a return to normalcy.
Throughout the story:
* Forced to mature rapidly: The Dust Bowl and his mother's illness force Billy Jo to grow up quickly. He takes on more responsibility, learns to farm, and becomes his mother's primary caregiver.
* Develops resilience: He endures hardship and loss, showing immense strength and courage in the face of adversity. This resilience strengthens his character and makes him more independent.
* Experiences anger and resentment: He struggles with anger towards the dust, the unfairness of his situation, and even his mother for her illness. He also feels resentment towards his father, who left the family to escape the Dust Bowl.
By the end of the story:
* Develops a strong sense of responsibility: Billy Jo becomes a young man who is determined to make a better life for himself and his mother, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
* Finds solace in music: He uses music as an outlet for his emotions, a way to express his pain and grief, and ultimately, a means of finding hope and peace.
* Reconciles with his father: Although not explicitly stated, Billy Jo's journey towards self-reliance and his understanding of his father's struggle likely contribute to a less resentful, more mature understanding of his relationship with his father.
Overall: Billy Jo's transformation is a journey from an innocent boy to a resilient young man, shaped by the Dust Bowl and his experiences with loss, hardship, and responsibility. He emerges as a person of strength, self-reliance, and a deep appreciation for the enduring power of love and hope.