Who Are The Main Characters In Alexander Who Used To Be Rich Last Sunday?

Alexander’s family in 'Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday' is chaos in the best way. He’s the impulsive kid who can’t resist spending, while his brothers, Anthony and Nicholas, are the ultimate con artists—charging him to see a nickel or 'renting' out their stuff. His parents are the grounded figures, rolling their eyes at his antics but also subtly teaching him about money (even if he doesn’t learn much). The book’s charm is in how Alexander’s tiny tragedies—losing quarters to bets or getting tricked by his siblings—feel huge to him. Judith Viorst’s writing is witty, and Ray Cruz’s sketches make the family’s expressions priceless. It’s a story that’s stayed with me since childhood, mostly because Alexander’s failures are so endearing.

Alexander is the heart and soul of 'Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday,' and honestly, his siblings are just as memorable! The book revolves around Alexander, a little boy who gets a dollar from his grandparents and dreams of saving up for a walkie-talkie. But, of course, life (and his irresistible urge to spend) gets in the way. His brothers, Anthony and Nicholas, are constantly teasing him or making deals that leave him broke—like charging him for seeing their baby teeth or 'renting' their toys. Even his parents play a role, especially his dad, who warns him about money slipping away like 'gooey gum.'

What makes this story so relatable is how Alexander’s tiny financial struggles mirror real kid logic. One minute he’s rich, the next he’s bargaining for another chance. Judith Viorst nails the chaos of childhood with humor, and the illustrations by Ray Cruz add this gritty, messy charm that makes Alexander’s world feel real. I love how the book doesn’t preach—it’s just a funny, honest look at how kids learn (or don’t learn) about money. Every time I reread it, I laugh at how Anthony swindles Alexander into paying for literally everything. Classic sibling dynamics!

The main cast of 'Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday' feels like a snapshot of every 70s kid’s life. Alexander’s the star—a whirlwind of poor decisions and big dreams, like buying a walkie-talkie or saving up, only to blow his cash on gum, bets, and his brothers’ scams. Anthony and Nicholas are the older siblings who exploit his naivety with 'tooth-viewing fees' and other ridiculous schemes. Even the parents are hilariously realistic; his mom’s the voice of reason ('Money doesn’t grow on trees'), and his dad’s warnings about cash disappearing are eerily prophetic.

What stands out is how Judith Viorst turns a simple story into a universal lesson. Alexander’s constant 'just one more thing' mentality is something everyone recognizes—whether you’re eight or eighty. The book’s genius is in its details, like how Alexander’s dollar shrinks bit by bit, or how his brothers’ smug faces in the illustrations make you want to yell, 'Don’t trust them!' It’s a nostalgia bomb for anyone who ever wasted allowance money on something silly.