The Great Turkey Walk

Simon is the protagonist of the novel. He is a 15-year-old boy whose journey from an underestimated outcast to a successful entrepreneur forms the story’s central arc. As a dynamic and round character, Simon’s development illustrates the narrative’s exploration of unconventional intelligence and self-reliance. At the outset, Simon is defined by the negative labels that others impose on him. His own aunt calls him “pea-brained” (3), and his four years in the third grade lead even his kind schoolteacher, Miss Rogers, to conclude that his future lies outside of formal education. However, Simon does not internalize these judgments as insults. Instead, he possesses a simple yet profound self-acceptance that allows him to see the world through a unique lens. His mind works differently, valuing practical application and observation over abstract knowledge. This is the foundation of his genius: the ability to connect his teacher’s metaphorical advice to “spread your wings” with a literal flock of turkeys (5), recognizing a market opportunity that more conventional thinkers dismiss as foolish. Simon’s venture is a direct manifestation of his character, transforming a seemingly absurd idea into a testament to his overlooked ingenuity and a validation of