The theme is very apparent, because in the beginning, all fourteen-year-old Artemis Fowl wants is gold. Artemis himself says, "If you guarantee me one metric ton of gold from your hostage fund, I will devise a plan to defeat this Opal Koboi" (Colfer 137). This is a prime example of how materialistic, at first, Artemis Fowl is. He does not even know what friendship is: "Yes. I've little experience in this area (meaning friendship), so I may have to read up on it." Holly then replies, "Friendship is not a science, Mud Boy (human boy). Forget about your massive brain for a moment. Just do what you feel is right." (226). Even Butler, Artemis' manservant and bodyguard, has feelings of friendship and protection over young Artemis, especially right before he saves him from the missile. He thinks, "It's a smart bomb, and Master Artemis is the target" (103). Butler then hoists Artemis onto his back and jumps down from three stories up, down on a mattress. This is proof that Butler cares for him and that he would do anything to protect him. Artemis finally learns this truth through out his experiences with Captain Holly Short and starts to change.
In the previous book, Artemis had turned ethical and honest, but the mind-wipe that the LEP used to clear his memories of the Fairy Race also cleared any goodness. However, when he rediscovers his memories (thanks to a disk given to him by Mulch), he finds out that he had friends. "I have friends? Thought Artemis Fowl the Second. I have friends" (234). Artemis finally realizes the true meaning of friendship, and apologizes to Holly. "And first of all, let me apologize for that consultant business. That was