Why did Charles' mother consider Charles' father as her "one big mistake?" How did this attitude impact Charles?

Why was Gloria so relentlessly cruel to Charles? According to Charles' mother, why was Gloria so hostile toward him?

Why did Charles' mother marry so often? How did it impact her children?

Was McLeod hiding more from his past or from his disfigurement? Why?

Why did the reclusive McLeod agree to tutor Charles? How was McLeod different than Charles thought he would be?

Although it's not fully explained, what relationship might McLeod have had with the boy who burned in the car accident? What emotional connection did McLeod possibly make between Charles and the dead boy?

How does the author portray the intimacy that occurred between McLeod and Charles? What is your opinion of the incident? Why can it be dangerous for an older person to...