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.
The central character of the narrative, Hugo Cabret, a 12-year-old skilled in manipulating mechanical devices, particularly clock mechanisms, is highlighted. It is noted that he could repair almost any item. Following his father's passing, Hugo adapted to life at the train station by pilfering necessities from people to sustain himself, albeit with reluctance.