Clements uses conflict between the characters to show how disagreements can be resolved through creative cooperation. Dave and Lynsey start out by hating each other and launching a competition, but the need to manage and protect their game causes them to work together and learn to appreciate each other. Students, all eager for their team to win the game, defy their teachers with three-word answers that ironically give their instructors enough quiet to appreciate the students’ efforts. Soon some of the teachers actively support the kids’ word game. Clements focus on conflict within relationships to emphasize his theme of finding common ground and to explore power dynamics in the school setting.

The teachers who don’t like the contest join forces with Principal Hiatt, who opposes the game but fails to stop it. Her attempt to defeat Dave forces her to see the contest in a new, more positive light, and she reverses course and joins forces with the boy to complete the game by including all grade levels at the school. Thus, every conflict is used by the author to show how the energies of discord can be converted into cooperation.