Fred

Fred is Madge's second husband. In one version, he survives a tidal wave, but in another version, he dies.

James

James appears in version C as Mary's lover. Only twenty-two years old, James is not ready to settle down. He spends a lot of time riding around on his motorcycle, "being free." James is killed by John after he catches James and Mary in bed together.

John

John is the primary male protagonist who meets the primary female protagonist, Mary. In the first version of the story, version A, John is the ideal husband, marrying and raising a family with Mary, working hard and playing well, retiring, and eventually dying after leading a well-spent life. In version B, John is a selfish man who is having an affair with Mary. While she is in love with him, he uses her to gratify his sexual, egotistical, and culinary appetites...