Protagonist- A Navajo villager, taken to school at the age of 6. He was forcefully to change his Navajo ways ( shaved head, new name, had to speak English...) Page 5, 12.
Antagonist- Japan declared war on America, By bombing Pearl harbor. Their tactics are cruel, Cunning and deadly. Page 33, 166.
American`s perspective about the war: In general they are racist against Navajos, Giving them less Education, some restaurants/bars don't allow Navajo`s to enter. But in the Marines, they don't care if you're Navajo or American you`ll look our for each other's life and soul.
Navajo- They just wanted to be treated right by the Americans, just wanted peace, harmony. But on the other hand they hate/ fear the Japanese...
Why did the author do this? I think he did this because its kinda ironic that the Navajo and Americans are teaming or cooperating together to beat the japanese even though (Generally) the Americans were treating them poorly. and how they BOTH don't like the Japanese, therefore teaming i suppose is a "Last Resort."