Ten adjectives that describe Charlie with evidence as to why these adjectives fit.

Poor;

"To be poor was to be cold. The two were the same."

Destitute, Grieving;

"Even in death, the poor were denied the luxury of grieving"

Responsible;

"...when good fortune came knocking at your door, you had little choice but to grab it by the scruff of the neck and keep your trap firmly shut."

Determined;

"I realized what it was I loved about working for Squizzy Taylor. It was more than just the money. It was the power I loved as well."

Sentimental;

He had given me the boots as I sat for the last time on his bed and listened to the wheeze and crackle in his chest. After all those years, that was all he had to give.

Sympathetic;

'I miss him Charlie,' she whispered
'Me too, Ma. Me too.'

Mature;

Like the other boys, I still wore knickerbockers in the school yard. I played 'queenie' and marbles, too. But once the lessons were over, I returned home and stepped into the long pants of adulthood.

Appreciative;

It would take a lifetime to repay the Redmonds for all their kindness.

Eager;

The street was my classroom now and I was a student eager to learn.