Character Analysis
Although he's actually a smart guy, J.T. Maston has zero common sense and is as excitable as a ten-year old with a backpack full of pixie sticks. Although there's a nasty side to his personality, his earnest demeanor makes it pretty hard not to like the guy.
After all, the first thing we learn about him is that he was responsible for a cannon accident that "killed 337 persons" (1.10) and cost him a hand. Despite this massive failure—the biggest in Gun Club history—there's nobody more passionate about the art of cannons than Maston. In other words, even a tragedy can't dampen his enthusiasm.
But that said, sometimes he says things that make us cringe. For instance, no one is quicker to call for war than Maston. He even casually suggests "that war be declared against Mexico" (11.11) so they can get a prime location to build their cannon. At times like these, he seems a bit too trigger-happy for our liking.
In the end, however, Maston's unbridled enthusiasm and honesty makes it difficult to dislike him. Although he has some unpleasant opinions, you can at least admire the fact that he is completely unafraid to be himself. He's also an incredibly loyal friend and, ultimately, the only person who believes that our three astronauts will "get out of their difficulties" (28.16). His earnest nature gets him at trouble at times, but it's also the reason he's such a likeable character—he might blunder things, but his enthusiasm makes it hard to stay mad at him.