Archie is an opportunist, who never passes up a chance to supplement his income. But despite his dubious schemes to provide the few pleasures available to a financially deprived young person, living through years of war and austerity, he lives by a self-developed code of conduct. He respects the aged, is charitable to the needy, generous to his friends and family, and given the right motivation is hard-working in the interests of both himself and his employer.

Archie's scheming often lands him in hot water, but his innate survival instinct usually saves the day for him.