Mr. McKisco

A writer, who is not especially smart or brave. Even though he depends on his wife, he often belittles her. He fights a dual with Tommy Barban, supposedly over his wife's gossip. In the end, he becomes a successful writer.

Mrs. McKisco

A social climber who clings to her husband and encourages his success.

Abe North

A composer and old friend of Dick. He cannot control himself and often drinks himself into a stupor, getting in trouble and becoming increasingly self-destructive. He dies in a bar fight.

Mary North Minghetti

A singer who is married to Abe. Although she loves her husband, she cannot seem to help him. After he dies, she marries a very wealthy middle-eastern gentleman and becomes his devoted wife, thinking of her position and her husband's wishes above all else. She develops a strong dislike of Dick.

Nicole's sister, who manages the family money. She is a spinster who lives in England and believes that the English are the most refined and proper people in the world. She is smart, subtle, and manipulative and uses her position and money to make certain that Nicole is taken care of.

Mr. Warren

Nicole and Baby's alcoholic father. A handsome man, he has no desire to control himself.

Lanier and Topsy Diver

The children of Dick and Nicole. They are more decoration than real or emotional elements of the family. Lanier is considered "difficult" by his father, because he asks questions and makes assertions. Topsy is not presented in the novel.

Table of Contents | Printable Version