Smudger Moore is a 13-year-old boy with blonde hair and blue or grey eyes. He lives with his parents and a younger sister he finds annoying. Government restrictions burden his family; his father, a baker, is plunged into depression and listlessness because the ban on chocolate prevents him from baking what he wants, while his mother struggles to maintain normalcy.

The chocolate prohibition fuels Smudger's deep resentment towards the government. His initial motivations are personal: craving chocolate and pursuing a romantic interest in a girl named Louise. Both he and his best friend Huntly admire Louise, creating a subtle rivalry between them.

Smudger exhibits an impulsive, courageous, and outspoken personality. He often acts rashly and displays selfless behavior, though this leads to careless actions. Unlike the more cautious Huntly, Smudger constantly seeks solutions and escape routes, demonstrating determined resolve even when facing risks.

A pivotal shift occurs when Smudger and Huntly stumble upon a secret chocolate operation hidden in an abandoned mine. This discovery moves their focus beyond personal gratification towards broader resistance. They join an underground movement distributing illicit chocolate, with Smudger’s involvement fueled by his growing awareness of government oppression against the resistance.

Smudger participates in escalating acts of defiance against the authorities. His actions culminate in a large-scale revolution demanding the restoration of chocolate and governmental change, reflecting his journey from self-interest to active engagement in collective rebellion.