Character Analysis
We Bet He Doesn't Really Smell
Pity Titus's little brother with the horrible nickname. He's six years old, we never learn his real name, and he's constantly listening to children's programming on the feed, at the highest volume he can possibly manage. Even being at the dinner table doesn't stop him: "Smell Factor was head-banging with the feed music and turning his bunny plate around and around with his little pudgy fingers" (27.19).
His parents ignore him, his mom has a hard time disciplining him, and Titus barely notices him. It's sad, really, because it seems like Smell Factor is looking to make connections. For example, the only time that we get words that are straight from his mouth (that aren't just repeated from television shows on his feedcast) is when Titus is in the hospital. Here's what we see:
... big bro? Big bro, you there? Mom says I should...
This comes amidst a barrage of feed chatter right as Titus's feed is turned back on again. Smell Factor is clearly trying to talk to Titus, but no luck. It's maybe no wonder, then, that he acts out the way he does: he's just looking for some good, old-fashioned attention.