Cartland is a youthful street person, the survivor of a vicious attack that has left him slightly brain damaged. As a result he walks with a weak right leg, talks slowly and sometimes has a hard time thinking and remembering. He seems happy and wears his emotions on his sleeve.

Because of his mental disability Cartland doesn't acknowledge the different world outside of his own. Not only is he the same person since his assault many years ago, he believes that his life is the same. It's as if time has stood still for him. His friend Betty tries to get him into a newer, healthier life but he refuses, continually believing that there is no "newer" life.