William Barfée (frequently mispronounced as "Barf-ee", but actually pronounced "Bar-fay”) is a contestant in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He uses his magic foot to write out the words on the ground before spelling them out loud. His technique is unique and effective. He has many allergies and health issues, including a rare mucus membrane disorder that keeps him from breathing through one nostril and a deadly peanut allergy. His personality is mostly rude, condescending, and closed-off, but he appears this way to protect himself from bullies and is actually a nice person behind his façade. He becomes friends with Olive Ostrovsky, and he develops a crush on her.
Background[]
William won his district spelling bee, allowing him to compete at the county level. He attends the school Cold Spring Country Day. He was a contestant in the 24th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, along with Chip, but he had to be disqualified due to an allergic reaction to peanuts in the brownies. Notably, he wears really cool socks.