Tom Benecke

Tom Benecke is the protagonist of the story. He works in a managerial position for a supermarket. In this story, Benecke is hoping for a promotion that will ensure him a comfortable job. He has been working on research for months, and all of his research is documented by hand on a yellow sheet of paper on his desk. When this vital sheet of paper floats out of his apartment window, Benecke struggles to balance his priority toward his profession and his wife and ultimately decide which one is more important to him.

Benecke’s precarious foray onto his window ledge parallels his professional concerns. For example, when Benecke first climbs onto the ledge, he feels confident. This reflects Benecke’s confidence that he will get the promotion he wants. However, when Benecke is paralyzed with fear on the ledge after retrieving the yellow sheet, Benecke’s...