Elaine Risely

Elaine Risely is the narrator and main character. She is a successful painter who is troubled by insecurity and anxiety that stem from a traumatic childhood. She has a nervous habit of chewing her fingers.

Jon

Jon is also an artist, and Elaine’s first husband. He has explored many types of art and creates special props for horror movies. A free spirit in his youth, he has finally become a grownup in middle age.

Father

Father is an entomologist who researches infestations in the summer and teaches at the university the rest of the year. His favorite topic of discussion is the way humans will eventually destroy the world.

Mother

Mother is vital, good-natured, and domestic. She is comfortable with who she is and unconcerned about the opinions of others. She is a dedicated mother, but she is helpless at handling Elaine’s problem.

Stephen

Stephen...