X-Ray’s name is pig latin for his given name, Rex. X-Ray wears glasses because he can’t see very well, and he always uses the same shovel because he claims it is the shortest one (the holes dug by the boys are measured with their shovels). X-Ray is the unofficial leader of the boys in Group D. He is always first in line for lunch or to have his canteen refilled with water. X-Ray gives Stanley the nickname “Caveman.” Stanley intimidates X-Ray because Stanley is bigger than he is and because Stanley is smart. For example, when Stanley gives X-Ray the gold tube he has found, he suggests that X-Ray wait until the next morning to show it to Mr. Pendanski, so that he can get more time off. To reward Stanley for his “loyalty,” X-Ray tells Stanley to move up in line at the water truck.
After Zero begins digging half of Stanley’s hole each day, X-Ray tells Stanley to be first in line because he is “better than all of us.” Even though X-Ray appears to be sarcastic, there is a ring of truth to his words. Stanley takes the blame for the stolen sunflower seeds so the other boys will not get in trouble; he is also teaching Zero to read. In the end, when Stanley and Zero are back at Camp Green Lake, X-Ray acts as though he is jealous of Stanley—he is the only one of the group of boys who does not come over to talk to Stanley and Zero. Instead, he goes back to the Wreck Room alone.
