How does the author use "names" in the story, Dark Laughter?

The characters' names reflect their roles in life: Dudley is a "dud," a failure; Aline (perhaps, "align", or a-line) takes the most self-serving path; Fred Grey is without color, either black or white, and is in the twilight (grey) of his life; Sponge lives off the prosperity of others, having given up his artistic potential.