How does Frank's persistence help or hinder him?

Throughout the story, Frank is described as persistent, if not outright stubborn. How does this quality help him in his life? Does it hinder him?

Frank is quintessentially sure of himself and luck comes to play in his life as well. He is astute, clever, arrogant, intelligent and a bit narcissistic. He can see nothing negative down the line and, due to some luck, nothing negative comes along.

My thoughts of Frank are all forward -moving - to me, he's the most truthful and honest character - he rings true in every situation. Some of the other family members , such as his mother, are convoluted - there's a lack if clarity to their core which is what makes them who they are. I tend to go too deep into this end if the written ocean, but my background in Wagnerian opera makes itself known in many ways!

CheriFaith, I am interested in your response. I guess I would have to hear a definition of truthful and honest. And bonnieb, I do agree for sure that he is intelligent and astute and clever and narcissitic - but I think there is a lot to come for him and I wonder if it will be all positive. I guess I am wondering if the "luck" he has experienced so far will turn out - in the end - to be luck. He is a very interesting character, for sure, and he keeps moving forward - or so it appears - but there is very little emotion to what he does, very little feeling. I like looking at all the characters in accordance with their birth order - how does being first-born affect him. He is not drawn to the family as much as the others seem to be, and while he is not a negative person, I just see him as less than truthful or honest because he is often manipulative. I am eager to see and learn more, obviously!

I simply meant that Frank is not deceitful in how he represents himself - he is who he is and lets the chips fall where they may. Look at how he behaved as a little boy - he knew when he was going to get in trouble, yet he did what he wanted anyway. He is true to himself - and that to me is a definite layer of honesty.

Frank is an open, sincere person. He uses his talents wisely and always seems to mean well. I enjoyed the Frank (as adult) sections: I love his enthusiasm! His attitude definitely helps him.

In my opinion, Frank was the most interesting character. I agree with susiej....he is complicated and can be manipulative and narcissistic. Just look at his behavior when his best friend died. There is a callousness to him at times that is alarming. His ability to shut himself off from people who care for him is telling. I too feel that his "luck" is going to run out and his future holds some surprises.

I agree with other comments that Frank is the most interesting of the group. His feelings toward Andy surprised me though because they seem out of character. I wonder whether this relationship will last.

Frank's main goal was not to live on the farm. He distanced himself from his family and never strayed from his goals. He was persistent and it did help in some ways; he was successful and made some good investments. But it also hindered him personally. The only close relationship it seems that he developed was with Lawrence. There was even distance from Hildy and then he never contacted her when he went to war. He never developed any strong bonds to his family at all.

I feel that Frank is the main character in the story. I think his persistence will take him far, however, I wonder if he will be happy where it takes him.