Can a man who lives completely alone have a social self?

Niggle, the story's protagonist, is a humble little man with a passion for painting. He devotes all his time to creating beautiful art, but he's never satisfied, constantly getting irritated by disruptions to his routine. Despite this, he has a good heart, often helping his neighbor Parish with repairs and errands. The people of the town think he's essentially useless for society, but through the story, Niggle is revealed to be a valuable dreamer.