Freeloaders. We've all encountered them at one time or another. Tobias Turtle is lazy, self-absorbed, and lives his life preying on the generosity and pity of others. Yet he is not too lazy to have one ridiculous get-rich-quick scheme after another. As a counter-point is human Fred, the hard-working, level-headed and long-suffering victim of Tobias' mooching ways, and attempted voice of reason, who has taken Tobias in and tries, unsuccessfully, to reform him. Allegorically, Fred might be seen as the traditional American citizen, who has come up believing the way to be happy and successful is hard work, moderation in all things and a dedication to help others. Tobias is that element of society that believes in getting something for nothing, in quick-fixes and laziness, self-absorption and excess.