The Fourth Stall

Mac is a sixth grader who lives in a suburban neighborhood with his mother and father. He is the protagonist of the story and the point of view character. Mac does not comment on his feelings about or talent for academics or school activities; instead, the focus of his school day is the business he has grown since kindergarten. He introduces himself and his business in the story's opening lines, telling the reader directly that he can get what the reader wants or provide services the reader needs. Of course, these goods and services come with a price tag, but Mac is willing to arrange traded favors, IOUs, and pro bono work (especially when best friend and business manager Vince thinks a charitable act on Mac’s part is warranted and recommended). Consequently, Mac demonstrates a shrewd business intelligence and qualities of generosity and considerateness, which make him likable and sympathetic.

Mac explains that Vince consistently credits Mac for the ins and outs of their operation and that because Vince is not the type to seek the spotlight, the leadership role is Mac’s. Late in the story, Mac woefully reflects on how quickly his “empire” crumbles and how he went from being very important in his school to being just like everyone else.