Preservation of Life
Mullet Fingers is characterized by his intense desire to preserve life. Although his own is in danger of becoming dominated by other people's values in county juvie, he continues to be an advocate for the owls, who have no other voice. He risks his own reputation and freedom to defend these birds from the construction, going to great lengths, even vandalism. His appearance to Roy in the midst of a conflict with Dana further illustrates this motif because Roy has death on his mind at the moment he catches sight of Mullet Fingers. This is not only Roy's introduction to the character but also the audience's. Hiaasen invites readers to associate Mullet Fingers with some twist of fate as well as resurrection. His appearance marks a change for Roy, who feels engaged with curiosity for the first time since his move. In the end, he learns what Mullet Fingers stands for as a person and agrees to support the same cause -- preservation of life.
Charity
Although Roy is just a kid, he demonstrates an unusual capacity for charity. He is the victim of bullying, but he doesn't return the insult. Instead he focuses his attention on Mullet Fingers who, as it turns out, is in need of help. Roy lends his time and attention to the strange kid and even risks the wrath of his parents when he places his name on the hospital register in order to preserve his friend's anonymity. In the end, Roy does possess necessary gifts which he extends charitably to Mullet Fingers. He's like the inside man, a member of acceptable society, who conspires with Mullet Fingers for the sake of the owls, but honestly Roy only becomes interested in the owls after seeing how much they mean to his friend. He's in the business of love, refraining from judgement of Mullet Fingers based upon his circumstances or physical appearance unitl he's learned what this person values. In the process he makes a friend.
The Scapegoat
Mullet Fingers is the original scapegoat in this book. The pattern of behavior which he represents for Roy soon becomes infectious, manifesting in each of the kids from school. Because Mullet Fingers willingly endangers his personal freedom for the owl, he inspires everyone else to care. He sacrifices because he has the most to lose, becoming an example of the savior archetype. Similarly, Roy, after meeting Mullet Fingers, risks disappointing his parents and being grounded for writing his name in the hospital ledger instead of his friend's. He learns to stand up for himself in the process, refusing to allow his parents or bullies or corporations, etc. to prevent him from fighting for justice and the preservation of life. By the end of the book, Mullet Fingers has received the support of nearly the entire school, just because he risked himself for something (someone?) exterior to him.
