This text response mainly focuses on the characters and what part they play in this short story. It also addresses key points in the text. The short story "First Dance" is a realistic, challenging story. It is different from most short stories I have read, as I can relate to many of the scenarios in the story.
             In "First Dance" Toni is portrayed as a young student who is ruled over by her mother. Toni wants to be free to do what she wants when she wants but her mother stops her from doing so. Toni's mother Jackie treats her like a child, making Toni feel even younger than what she is. Toni is forced to wear something that she thinks is childish and girly looking to please her mother, but quickly changes out of them as soon as her mother has left. Toni idolizes her friend Chrissy, as she is a rebel who does not listen to her mother, and does as she pleases.
             Jackie is strict with Toni because she believes that her way is the correct way to bring up her child. Jackie is over protective with Toni, and this shows when she gives Toni very strict orders to be home by 11:30, no later. Jackie has a boyfriend named Tim who she devotes Friday nights to; Toni disrupts this routine when she goes to the surf club.
             Chrissy is Toni's best friend, and because of this, it influences her actions greatly. When Chrissy offers an alcoholic drink to Toni, she accepts the offer to show that she is not a baby, but a grown-up even if her mother did not acknowledge it. Although Chrissy abandons Toni when they arrive at the party, leaving Toni by herself, and vulnerable.
             Roy is a stereotypical teenage male. He drinks, smokes and is always looking for some action to brighten up his day. When he sees Toni at the party already drunk, he sees her as an easy target for some action, but will not do it himself, relying on his friend Phil. However, when Phil starts getting all the attention, Roy is forced to take charge and
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