David

David is the son of Harold and Maureen Fry, but his life and death are a major theme in the story. David does not appear in the story except in the memories of Harold and Maureen. Their memories are skewed with the passage of time but it's obvious that David was a difficult child from an early age. He was often condescending to the adults in his life, especially to Harold. He made it a point to say things that Harold wouldn't understand, just to prove that he was smarter than his father. His presence and his relationship with Harold put a wedge between Maureen and Harold, straining their relationship.

David's selfish attitude is seen in Harold's memory of a trip he'd planned as a surprise for Maureen. The three of them arrived at Buckfast Abbey but David refused to get out of the car. Harold...