Broken Chain by Gary Soto

“Broken Chain” Summary

The story “Broken Chain” by Gary Soto is about an insecure boy named Alfonso who meets a girl named Sandra who Alfonso invites for a date. The protagonist is Alfonso and the antagonist is Ernie, and the other characters are Sandra and Alfonso’s parents. This story takes place in a suburban neighborhood in California. What you need to know about the story is Alfonso is insecure about his personal apparent. As the story opens, Alfonso meets Sandra and her brother, and on the way to Sandra was invited by Alfonso for a bike ride.

After Sandra was called to go into her home, Alfonso went to his house and talks to Ernie about Sandra. Ernie and Alfonso discussed her appearance such as her hair, clothing, and overall beauty. During the conversation, Alfonso asked Ernie for his bike because he needed a bike for Sandra for the bike ride tomorrow at 4:30. Ernie started to make fun of Alfonso by asking Alfonso if Sandra was his girlfriend. Alfonso and Ernie start an argument about Sandra. The nest day, Ernie is about to go for a bike ride.

That was when Alfonso came out of nowhere and stopped Ernie from leaving the driveway. Ernie then said if Alfonso wants to use his bike he needs to help him find the girls he and Frostie met on Halloween. Few minutes later, Alfonso and Ernie try to locate the girls. They were unsuccessful, but Ernie plays a trick by pretending to give his brother, Alfonso, the bike.

Instead he runs off on his bike laughing at Alfonso. Alfonso then goes to Sandra’s house and explains why they cannot go on a bike ride. He says that his brother Ernie left with his bike and Alfonso’s bike is broken. Sandra then says it is okay, jumps on the crossbars, and Alfonso uses his feet to push them both on the bike. Alfonso and Sandra then ride off into the sunset enjoying each other company.