Johnny Gunther was the main character in this book. He lived from 1929 until 1947. He was highly intelligent and had a great interest in science, particularly physics and chemistry. Johnny lived internationally in his earliest years, but moved to America to stay before he was ten years old. His parents were divorced, but the divorce was very amicable. He had a close relationship with both of his parents. His father was a writer, and Johnny like to help him with his writing, and he was always there to encourage his father and offer suggestions for his books. He shared his thoughts and feelings freely with his mother.