Will is the story’s protagonist and hero. He is a dynamic character who evolves significantly through the story. Will’s initial ill health and fearfulness are shown in his appearance: “The boy was thin and sickly looking, pale with limp sandy hair and dull gray eyes” (10). Michelle Magorian establishes Will’s sickly appearance in the exposition to emphasize the damaging effects of poverty and abuse. Tom likens the boy entrusted to him as a “frightened rabbit” (43), which characterizes Will’s evident terror and shyness. Will is initially a lonely boy who has been isolated by his mother’s cruelty and control, as is illustrated when he admits to Tom, “I ain’t got no friends” (40).

Will starts to change and develop with Tom’s unconditional and patient love. He laughs for the first time, learns to read and write, and forms connections in his community, especially Zach. These changes show Will’s growing sense of self-confidence and safety. Will overcomes numerous challenges after recovering from the initial trauma of his abusive childhood, including the cruel imprisonment by his mother back in London, which almost kills him, as well as the tragedy of Zach’s death.