Younger son is an average student, but very well liked by his peers. Older son puts in extra time at home helping out his father. Younger son is rarely home, and when he is, you couldn't get him to lift a finger. Older son looks to earn his inheritance. Younger son can't wait until he gets what is due him.
Older son is responsible.
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. The older son. The scribes and the Pharisees were the ones with the education and the status. They had gone to Pharisee school or scribe school. They were responsible leaders in the community.