Who is Roland? Where has Roland come from? What does Roland seek on his quest? Why? What is a ka-tet? Who is Roland's ka-tet? Why has Roland chosen this ka-tet? How do these people compare with Roland's previous ka-tet? Why does Roland spend a great deal of time thinking about the past during the planning and fighting against the Wolves? How does the past influence Roland's decisions in the present?

Who is Jake? Why does Jake befriend Benny Slightman? What does Benny symbolize for Jake? How does Jake's relationship with Benny define his relationship with Roland? How does Roland feel about this relationship? How does Roland reveal his feelings for Jake through this relationship? How does this relationship reveal Jake's true maturity?

Who are Eddie and Susannah? What kind of relationship do Eddie and Susannah have? Would this relationship have been allowed to develop...