Powerless

Daniel is the protagonist, and the novel is told from his point of view. Even before he moves to Noble’s Green and meets the supers, Daniel doesn’t think that he is interesting or extraordinary. Aside from an interest in old books, such as Sherlock Holmes, and not caring too much about what people think of him, Daniel feels like an average 12-year-old boy. Once he meets the supers, Daniel develops insecurities about his lack of powers. Compared to the amazing things the supers can do, Daniel feels “as unremarkable as bread” (64). Daniel’s character arc focuses on his journey toward understanding that he doesn’t have to have superpowers to be extraordinary, and he embodies The Meaning of Heroism. Initially, Daniel feels like he doesn’t fit in with the supers because they have fantastic abilities that he can’t hope to match. This leads to the jealousy that makes Daniel vulnerable to Plunkett’s deception, the direct catalyst for the climax and final battle.

Daniel’s character development is shaped by several important events. When he bonds with Eric after the death of his grandmother, Daniel realizes he has things in common with the supers: Regardless of powers, all of them are just kids trying to figure out who they are and what to do.