Aspect	Explanation	Evidence from the Text
Background	Stanley comes from a poor family and believes he is cursed because of his great-great-grandfather’s mistake. This belief shapes how he views his bad luck.	Stanley often thinks about how “bad things always seemed to happen” to the Yelnats family.
Personality at the Beginning	At first, Stanley is insecure, passive, and accepts unfair treatment without fighting back.	He does not argue when falsely accused of stealing the shoes and quietly accepts going to Camp Green Lake.
Physical Transformation	Stanley becomes physically stronger through hard labor, which mirrors his growing inner strength.	After weeks of digging holes, Stanley becomes lean and strong without even realizing it.
Moral Growth	Stanley learns to stand up for what is right, especially when it comes to protecting Zero.	He chooses to carry Zero up the mountain instead of leaving him behind, even though it risks his own life.
Friendship with Zero	Stanley forms a deep, loyal friendship with Zero that is built on trust, kindness, and mutual support.	Stanley teaches Zero how to read, and later risks everything to rescue him from the desert.
Courage	Stanley shows courage by defying the camp authorities and surviving outside the camp.	He runs away from Camp Green Lake to find Zero, knowing the desert could kill him.
Role in Breaking the Curse	Stanley unknowingly fulfills the promise that his ancestor failed to keep, ending the family curse.	He carries Zero (whose name is Hector Zeroni) up the mountain, echoing the original promise.
Final Change	By the end, Stanley is confident, self-assured, and no longer sees himself as unlucky or weak.	He returns home cleared of all charges, with the curse broken and his future restored.

Stanley Yelnats is the main character of Holes, and his journey is one of steady growth, quiet courage, and moral strength. At the beginning of the novel, Stanley sees himself as unlucky, weak, and responsible for his family’s long history of misfortune. He rarely questions injustice and often accepts blame, which is clear when he is wrongly convicted of stealing the shoes and assumes it is simply part of his bad luck.

At Camp Green Lake, Stanley begins to change. The harsh routine of digging holes every day strengthens him physically, but more importantly, it builds his resilience. Instead of becoming bitter, Stanley learns to adapt. He follows the camp’s rules at first, but he also begins to notice the unfairness of the system and the cruelty of the adults in power. His growing awareness marks the start of his transformation.

Stanley’s character truly stands out in his friendship with Zero. Unlike others, Stanley treats Zero with patience and respect, teaching him to read and standing up for him when others mock or mistreat him. When Zero runs away into the desert, Stanley makes a brave and selfless decision to follow him, even though it could cost him his life. This moment shows that Stanley has moved beyond fear and bad luck—he now acts based on loyalty and compassion.

By the end of the novel, Stanley has become confident, strong, and morally grounded. Carrying Zero up the mountain mirrors the story of his ancestor and symbolically breaks the family curse. Stanley no longer believes he is powerless; instead, he understands that his choices define who he is. His journey from passive victim to active hero is what makes him a compelling and relatable main character.