In what ways was Crispin unconfident?

For much of the novel Crispin: The Cross of Lead, we know Crispin to be lacking in any sort of confidence in himself. This is directly the result of how he has spent his childhood—his whole life, he has always existed in relation to others, not considered as an individual. We learn early on that Crispin is called "Asta's Son" wherever he goes, and does not learn his true name until Father Quinel tells him. Crispin has never really been treated with respect or allowed to exercise any agency in his life. His obligation has been to his mother, the Steward Aycliffe, Lord Furnival, and God. All of that changes after he is declared a Wolf's Head and he is truly on his own for the first time.

Though Crispin soon meets Bear on his journey, he still thinks very poorly of himself. When Bear asks him to look at his reflection in a steam, Crispin says he is just a dirty kid. He does not consider himself deserving of kindness or the grace of God. Slowly, Crispin's attitude of himself changes as Bear shows him respect and gives him the opportunity to grow under his tutelage. By the time Bear and Crispin reach Great Wexley, Crispin has grown far more confident in himself. By the end of the story, he is downright assertive when it comes to sticking up for Bear—not because he has to, but because he wants to.