Character Analysis

As the head baker with the bad foot, Gimpy seems like he's looking out for Charlie. But he's got some nasty habits, like telling people who mess up that they're pulling "a Charlie Gordon" (23). Oh yeah, and Gimpy's got sticky fingers. Like Charlie's other "friends," Gimpy gets a whole lot more complex when we see him in 3D—he's not necessarily the worst guy, and he operates out of fear.

Stop That Thievin'

Gimpy just assumes everybody is as corrupt as he is. When Charlie catches him stealing, he wants to know how to make it right: "Your friend—could it be maybe he's interested in a cut?" (96). When he realizes Charlie is just a good guy through and through, he doesn't know how to cope. He wants Charlie fired because it's easier than dealing with a moral, upright citizen who just wants what's good for everyone.