Who is Aremis Slake from Slake's Limbo and what is their importance?

Aremis Slake is a 13 year-old boy who is bullied constantly. He lives in fear daily because of his bullies. He has bruises and emotional scars. He does not have a family, only one aunt who abuses him. Slake is wary of people. He views them as hostile and out to get him. He escapes to the subway to escape the world of hostile people. In the subway, Slake must take care of himself. He becomes a businessman, reselling old newspapers, and a janitor, sweeping and mopping at the lunch counter. He is also a scavenger who collects and reuses old items. He is artistic because he makes art projects out of these discarded items.