What best describes Finny's core characteristic after the accident?

• A. He regains his athletic prowess.
• B. He abandons his ideals.
• C. His idealism remains, though his physical abilities are permanently altered.
• D. He becomes openly resentful.

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how a character’s inner beliefs can endure even when their body is permanently changed. Finny’s accident leaves him physically unable to play at his former level, but it does not shake his fundamental optimism and commitment to his ideals—innocence, friendship, and a belief in fair play. He continues to view the world through a hopeful lens and even tries to deny or minimize grim realities around him, like the war. This lasting idealism despite a broken body is what makes the description that his idealism remains, though his physical abilities are permanently altered the best fit. He does not regain his athletic prowess, he does not abandon his ideals, and he does not become openly resentful; his persistent, unyielding idealism is the essence captured here.