As Spaceman Spiff, Calvin adopts a wildly exaggerated sense of self-importance and confidence. In his mind, he’s a fearless space pilot, taking on thrilling missions and confronting dangerous enemies with bravado. In reality, however, he’s just a boy sitting in a classroom, barely paying attention to his teacher. The fantasy of Spaceman Spiff gives Calvin a sense of control and adventure that he feels he lacks in his real life.