As soon as I married Tabitha Wheelwright, I stepped into the position of John Wheelwright’s father. Because of my child like attitude and yearning to be a kid again, I am able to connect with John easily. I stepped in as a well liked father and was extremely thankful John’s friend Owen was there for him as well. The role I play in the novel is very modest. Just before Tabitha dies, I stepped in as a concerned, loving father. John said, “Dan said he thought of me as his son, anyway, and he would never take a job that took him away from Gravesend Academy until I’d had the chance to graduate.” When I stepped in and married Tabitha, I influenced John to stay relaxed and not take it so harshly. I gave him a chance to rely on another adult and I believe that I helped influence the storyline. I am an understanding teacher as well as an outgoing father. As I am there for John throughout the novel, I try to support him in everything he does. Because Owen is such a great friend to John, I am very polite and respectful to him as well. I am a comic relief to Owen and John because their lives are hard enough as it is. I give them something to laugh about and I help keep their minds clear. When I give the stuffed Armadillo to John and Owen, I add a very key element to the story as well as relief with the arrival of the armadillo. Although I am a great father figure, I am not the most attractive man. I am quite awkward and could use some fashion tips. I am also goofy in a good way, allowing me to really connect and build a relationship with John and Owen in the novel. I represent the perfect father that John always wished for. Owen tells John that he does not want to learn about his real father because he does not want to be disappointed. I am very honored to know that information because as I think of Owen as my real son, it is nice to know he has the same feelings for me. I help convey the idea of independence as I have severed