Lewis Barnavelt

Lewis is a young orphan who goes to live with his uncle as the novel opens. He is reasonably intelligent and has a strength about him that comes to the surface when he realizes that the world – and the people he cares about – is in danger. Lewis is overweight and he struggles with the bullying that accompanies that. His feelings are often hurt and he cries as a result. He is so desperate for a friend that he puts himself in danger and disobeys Jonathan in an effort to retain the companionship of Tarby, the only person who has shown him any kindness. He continues to try to keep that friendship, even when Tarby is cruel and betrays Lewis's confidence.

Lewis seems to recover surprisingly well from the loss of his parents and settles into his life with Uncle Jonathan. Lewis disobeys Jonathan's directive to stay away...