* James's mother is a single mother who works tirelessly to support him. She is a strong and loving figure, but struggles financially and emotionally.
* James's father is absent from the story. He is mentioned only in passing, and it is implied that he is not in James's life.
It's crucial to understand that the novel does not portray James's parents as failures. Instead, it focuses on the realities of poverty and the limitations it imposes on individuals and families. The story emphasizes the challenges James faces because of the circumstances of his family, not because of his parents themselves.
The absence of James's father, while not explicitly explained, contributes to the sense of hardship and deprivation James endures. The novel leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions about James's father's absence and its impact on James's life.
Ultimately, The Contender is a story about resilience, determination, and finding hope amidst adversity. While James's parents are a significant factor in his life, the novel focuses primarily on James's own strength and his journey to overcome his circumstances.