Desperation

The central theme of Desperate Characters is desperation. Desperation can be understood as an anxiety to find something meaningful and purposeful in one's life. All the major characters in the book seem to experience a sense of meaninglessness and ennui. There are many discussions of the emptiness and randomness of the young generation, of their vandalism, indifference and so on. And yet many characters admit this same sense of meaningless emptiness in their own lives. Sophie's meaninglessness manifests itself in her broken relationship with Otto, her affair and her odd, unfulfilling relationships with her friends. Otto's desperation is found in his marriage with Sophie, his broken friendship and partnership with Charlie and his general frustration with the culture at large. Charlie is desperate because he craves Otto's approval. None of the major characters have an anchor, center or purpose in their lives, instead milling about with aims that...