Characters

Janine – 15 – Cynical, sarcastic, prickly. Just realizing how complex her family is. Proud of her relationship with Saul. Has been blogging anonymously.

Reggie – 47 – Child of Tillie and Buck, raised in the Mid-Atlantic US. Career in banking. Gets very flustered and lashes out. Met his first wife, Lorraine, during a study abroad program in Britain. They have one daughter, Samantha. The marriage ended when Reggie discovered Lorraine had been sleeping with one of her students. She is now The Devil. Reggie still carries the scars of suspicion and paranoia. Currently married to his second wife, Virginia. They met at the Unitarian Universalist Church, and have one daughter, Janine.

Lorraine – 47 – Reggie’s first wife, Samantha’s mother. A college professor in New Mexico, teaches in the Humanities. Let ‘free love’ cloud her judgment with a student. Not remarried.

Samantha – 21 – Reggie and Lorraine’s only child, raised by her mother. Perfect. Afraid her father’s loathing for Lorraine will one day rub off on her.

Virginia – 43 – Universal Unitarian, a basic principles sort of person. High strung, likes to have order. Works at a pharmaceutical company. (Retconned from Hannah.)

Saul – 21 – College graduation was delayed by a semester due to poor grades. One of his school friends is being charged with date rape. Suddenly thinking more seriously about his future.

Manju – 14 – Good relationship with parents ruined after getting a C- at the end of eighth grade. Now under severe pressure to straighten up and go to college. From Northern India.

Clara – 15 – Just as mediocre as Janine, has decided to focus on other things. Anything but academics. Currently trying sports after a goth phase in middle school. Ultimately going to trade school to be a computer tech.

Abe – 15 – Part of Reggie’s new church, takes a quick licking to Janine. The ‘good boy.’ Not actually hide-bound, belongs with the UUs. Sophomore.

Natalie “Tille” – 76 – Reggie’s mother. Brisk, spare with praise. British, married an American, Buck, stationed there and followed him home. Divorced in the 80s, ignores her ex’s current philandering. Not her problem anymore. Does not like Lorraine. Was much more affectionate when her granddaughters were small, now treats them like adults who don’t need pampering. Lives in a retirement community close by, still has excellent (hawk-like) eyesight, so she frequently drives over to visit for tea.

Ben “Buck” – 77 – Reliving his youth.

Ashley – Samantha’s best friend.

Elaine – Saul’s mother.