Discuss the character Puggy. What is his motivation at the very beginning of the novel, and how and when does that change? Is Puggy a hero, or is he simply well-meaning? What about Miami does Puggy seem to like so much?

Compare and contrast the characters Puggy and Snake. Then compare and contrast the characters Henry and Snake. What similarities and differences does Snake share with them? What about his attitude towards Miami? Why does Snake want to go to the Bahamas? How does he feel about the city of Miami?

Are the situations in which the characters find themselves believable? Why or why not? If so, why? If not, does this make the novel less entertaining? Why or why not?

Discuss the characters Henry and Leonard and compare them to Leo and John. How are they similar? Are any of these characters sympathetic...