Dwight Tharp is the story’s main protagonist. His goal is to bring wisdom to his fellow students through his invention, Origami Yoda, and thereby win their acceptance of him and his eccentric ways. Tommy calls Dwight a “loser”—he picks his nose, eats too much at lunch and then throws up in class, wears his socks too high under his shorts, generally annoys the other kids, and gets picked on.

In fact, Dwight is extremely smart, and his eccentricity and reputation for “doltishness” give him cover to get away with things he wants to do, even as it alienates others. He has wide interests, but in school he only excels in math. His ability at origami is exceptional, and his Origami Yoda becomes a sensation, with its accurate wisdom and excellent advice. Yoda’s power as a dispenser of predictions inspires Tommy to write his case study on the puppet.

At the beginning of the novel, Dwight relies on Origami Yoda to interact with others and to connect. Ultimately, Dwight knows that Yoda is a crutch. By the end of the novel, he breaks free, expresses himself more directly, and lets others accept or reject his friendship.