The main protagonist of the story, Hugo Cabret, who is only 12, has a great talent for working with mechanical contraptions, especially clockworks. It is mentioned in the book that he could fix almost everything. After moving to the train station after his father died, he became used to stealing food and drinks and other objects from people to survive in the walls train station, even if reluctantly.
Hugo Cabret, a 12-year-old prodigy with mechanical aptitude, particularly in clockwork devices, is the focal point of the narrative. It is stated that he could repair most items. Following his father's demise, Hugo became accustomed to surviving at the train station by taking what he needed from others, albeit with some reluctance.