Who is Michael Lowes from Short Story Masterpieces and what is their importance?

Michael Lowes is the main character in the story, Impulse. He believes himself to be a good person with strong morals and a kind heart. His friends and family, however, see him as a loser.... a man whose spending habits and laziness leave the family penniless and near the point of poverty. Michael's unrealistic view of himself turns out to be the catalyst for his downfall.