Squeaky is the protagonist of "Raymond's Run" because she is the main character who undergoes some conflict and change in attitude.
As the narrator, Squeaky mentions her antagonists as Gretchen, against whom she competes for a medal on May Day at the local park, and Cynthia Proctor, who wins the spelling bees, but pretends that she does not study. Another one is Mary Louise Williams, who mocks Raymond's mental handicap.
Squeaky undergoes changes in her attitudes after the race. Her feelings toward Gretchen and toward Raymond both are altered. As she sprints along, Squeaky sees Raymond on the other side of the fence with his arms stretched behind him and his palms upward much in the manner in which geese run with their necks stretched and wings straight behind them. She is absolutely amazed at his skill. After the race, she narrates, "...it occurred to me that Raymond would make a very fine runner."
Also at the end of the race, after Squeaky races across the finish line, she leans over to catch her breath, and she notices Gretchen, who has also overshot the finish line. "I sort of like her a little for the first time," Squeaky immediately remarks. Later, after Gretchen is given second place, Squeaky indicates to Gretchen her change of heart:
....And I smile. Cause she's good, no doubt about it. Maybe she'd like to help me coach Raymond.
Clearly, Squeaky is the protagonist of "Raymond's Run" since she changes her opinions of both Gretchen and Raymond. Now, she realizes that they are richer in heart and talent than she had previously thought.
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