Compare and contrast Max and Kevin in Freak the Mighty.

Kevin and
Max develop a symbiotic relationship, but at the start, it seems unlikely that these two would
develop a friendship due to their glaring differences. 

Max struggles in
school and has a learning disability in reading. He describes himself as unintelligent. He lives
in the basement of his grandparent's home (his mother's parents). His father is in prison and
his mother is gone. He doesn't have a particularly close relationship with his grandparents,
especially his grandfather, who he calls Grim. 

In contrast, Kevin is
incredibly smart. The first time readers encounter him in the novel, he has created an
ornithopter that has become stuck in a tree. This is the first instance of symbiosis--Kevin
can't reach the ornithopter, and Max's size allows him to reach it easily. Max is befuddled by
Kevin's enormous vocabulary. Kevin's relationship with his single mom is much different than his
next door neighbor Max's relationship with his kin. It is clear that Gwen dotes on Kevin, and
Kevin adores her. Kevin has Morquio syndrome, which causes him to have a twisted spine, short
stature, and many health problems. While Max is physically healthy, Kevin is physically
challenged. Together, they become , with Kevin relying on Max's physical strength, and Max
relying on Kevin's brain.

The two were in daycare together when they were
very young, and Max remembers Kevin. Kevin becomes Max's reading tutor. They become Freak the
Mighty when Max lifts Kevin onto his shoulders to see a fireworks display, and then the pair
tries to outmaneuver a trio of bullies chasing them. 

They go on to have many
other adventures. Kevin is brave and daring but lacks the physical prowess to enact his bold
feats befitting a chivalric knight. Max is introverted and prefers the safety of routine and his
basement dwelling. He doesn't like conflict and would stay inside his turtle's shell if it
weren't for the prodding of his only friend, Kevin. 

Max is insecure because
of his father's past, and fears he will turn out like Kane the Killer. Kevin wants to defy his
present circumstances and get a robot body so he will be free to do all the things he wants to
do in life.