Nicknamed Nostrils because of his big nose, Norman is the friend Charlie needs. There is an immediate respect and attraction between the boys. When Charlie is tired of well-meaning neighbours, Nostrils is ‘something fresh’ (p.19). During the course of the book he will teach Charlie the meaning of friendship. He is an honest voice, able to see through Charlie's illusions. He is loyal and has a great sense of humour. Even though their relationship is built upon a lie, as Charlie ‘didn't have the heart to tell him that it should have been him on Squizzy Taylor's payroll’ (p.20), their friendship will survive even greater challenges. 3 When they first meet up with the Barlow Boys in Barkly Gardens and take to their heels, ‘Nostrils did something (Charlie) will never forget. He waited’. The scene is a precursor of the one in Fitzroy Gardens when Barlow kneecaps Nostrils. During this second incident, Charlie's ‘limbs refused to budge... and it was shame that paralysed’ him. Despite this and the terrible pain Nostrils is in, his first words are for Charlie, and he even manages to keep his sense of humour: ‘Don't worry ...Charlie ...I showed 'em... a thing... or two.’ Nostril's fate will bring about Charlie's self-knowledge and provide inspiration for Charlie in the race. ‘A dose of Norman Heath - there was no better medicine for raising one's spirits’ (p.166).