Orville Character Analysis in Rocket Boys

A fellow contestant of Homer at the National Science Fair, Orville is instrumental in Homer’s success. After Homer loses his nozzles, Orville takes it upon himself to petition the Fair on Homer’s behalf, the end result being that the judges create a new “propulsion category” and award Homer the top prize (Orville gets second place).

Orville Character Timeline in Rocket Boys

The timeline below shows where the character Orville appears in Rocket Boys. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...that none of their designs rival the BCMA’s in sophistication. Homer befriends a competitor named Orville, who’s presenting on electromagnets as well as rocket nozzles. Orville warns Homer that neither one... (full context)

...During the first two days, Homer notes that his project draws a big crowd, but Orville warns that this means nothing by itself—rockets are inherently popular. On the second night of... (full context)

...judges’ assessments, Homer puts on his blue suit and sets up his display. That morning, Orville gives him some surprising news: while Homer was frantically looking for his rocket parts, Orville... (full context)

...runs to find von Braun, but can’t locate him. When he returns to his display, Orville informs him that von Braun himself stopped by Homer’s display and complimented his nozzles, calling... (full context)