Templeton

Templeton is a fictional character, a rat, appearing in E.B. White's classic children's novel Charlotte's Web. He is one of the barnyard animals on the Zuckerman farm and a close friend of Wilbur, the pig. Templeton is characterized by his selfish and pragmatic nature, often motivated by his own well-being and the prospect of food. He is cynical about the other animals' idealistic concerns and frequently engages in shrewd bargaining. Despite his initial self-interest, Templeton demonstrates loyalty to Wilbur, especially when he agrees to help Charlotte the spider in her efforts to save Wilbur from slaughter. He plays a crucial role in the plot by retrieving a dropped button from a picnic and a number of other items that Charlotte uses to weave words into her web, praising Wilbur. Templeton's resourcefulness and street smarts are essential to the story's resolution. He represents a more realistic and less sentimental perspective within the idyllic farm setting. His development throughout the novel shows a capacity for genuine friendship, even if his motivations are often rooted in personal gain.