The characters and situations of The Ersatz Elevator represent the benefits and drawbacks of growing as individuals through conflict. While arguing can lead to strife, expressing differences of opinion can also provide new ideas and solutions. Through Jerome’s static character, Dark Street’s In and Out culture, and the relationship between the Baudelaire children and the adults in their lives, the novel explores how conflicts can have positive and negative impacts.

Jerome’s lack of character growth demonstrates how conflict can have negative impacts, especially when it is left completely unaddressed. Throughout the book, Jerome repeatedly tells anyone who even remotely expresses a different opinion than him that he doesn’t want to disagree. At first, this comes across as his way of smoothing conflict, but as the story progresses, this avoidance becomes problematic. Jerome refuses to listen to the children about Olaf or go against anything Esmé says, even to the detriment of the Baudelaires. This comes to a head in Chapter 5 as the Baudelaires insist that Olaf has infiltrated the penthouse and is a threat. Despite their concerns, Jerome refuses to do anything about it because he would have to argue with Esmé, something he fears doing.