The novel’s protagonist is David Winkler, a complex character who can appear to be flat at times because of his lack of depth. He tends to be quiet and lacks well-developed social skills. His relationship with Sandy, his wife, provides the most interaction he has had with another human being since his mother’s death. Although Winkler pursues Sandy romantically and orchestrates their move from Alaska, he allows her to define all other aspects of their life together. In going along with whatever she wants, Winkler reveals that he’s content to allow her to shape him as a man, a husband, and a father.

As the novel progresses and Winkler struggles with the conundrum of how to ensure that his dream of his infant daughter’s death doesn’t come true like his previous dreams have, he begins to show more depth of character. When David runs away from his family to protect his daughter, he finally does something that is completely against Sandy’s wishes and of his own motivation. However, once he arrives in St. Vincent, he again falls into the habit of just allowing circumstances and the people around him to shape his motivations and basic existence.