Peter Keller
The protagonist of this story, Peter is an apathetic bum. He is unmotivated in school, work, and his social life. Whether due to his father's rigid expectations or the constant interference of the rest of his family, he has decided that he's a screw-up and really dives into the role. With no major life goals or even desires, he wanders from one activity to the next extending a general attitude of listlessness.
Mr. Keller
Peter's dad is a devout Jewish man. Recognizing some potential, he pushes his son to become a lawyer. Upon realizing that he pushed too hard, he tries to make up for lost time and develop a healthier relationship but to no avail. Having devoted his life to his job at the U.S. Post Office, he pulls some strings to get Peter a job there as well.
Mrs. Keller
Peter's stepmom is not his favorite person. Never having bothered to give her a chance, he loathes her existence. She, however, tries to ingratiate herself with him. She invites him to lunch one day, which is the last straw for him. He shows up high out of his mind.
Fat Jack
Fat Jack is a department chair at Peter's old college. They were pals back in the day. When he hears that Peter is on probation, he offers him a job as a writing composition professor at the school.
Kim Fonesca
Kim is a middle-aged married woman who is separated from her husband. She works at the school and is a semi-accomplished writer. Dealing with her failing marriage and internal crisis, she falls into a sexual relationship with Peter. He likes the drama of it. For her, Peter is another in a long line of young men she uses to sabotage herself. She finds guys who are willing to get rough and abuse her, then she reaches out for emotional support in relief of her need to feel victimhood.
Tony Fonesca
Kim's husband also teaches at the school. In fact, he was Peter's professor at one point. Enraged over his wife's infidelity and struggling with his own insecurities, he lashes out at Peter in violent conflicts. He is jealous of Kim's writing prowess, comparing her to his own failed writing career. Aging and bitter, he needs someone to blame for his problems. Kim and Peter fill that need quite well.
