Charles becomes a well-known character to the family because every day, on his return from kindergarten, Laurie delights in sharing Charles's latest exploits with his family. On his first day, for instance, Laurie comes home and tells his parents that Charles was "fresh" to the teacher. As the days go by, Laurie shares even more with his parents about Charles's behavior, telling them about how Charles hit the teacher, yelled loudly, and refused to do exercises.

In addition, for Laurie's parents, Charles's exploits are shocking, given his young age. Laurie's mother, in particular, worries that Charles is a bad influence on her son.

Despite her reservations, Charles's exploits become a source of fascination to Laurie's parents. Each day, they are eager to learn of his latest misdemeanors and, by the third week of kindergarten, Charles has become an "institution" in the household.

What they fail to realize, however, is that Charles is nothing more than a creation of Laurie's. He creates this alter ego so he doesn't have to tell his parents what he has really been up to in kindergarten.