The story begins with the introduction of Lester Billings. Lester is a 28-year old man with a failed marriage and three deceased children in the past.
Lester is not exactly the ideal picture of a father and husband. Born in 1944, he was raised when a husband was still the supreme ruler of the household. Lester describes his mother as both judgmental and overzealous in her protection. He frequently uses racial slurs like nigger and gook.
He is described by the psychologist, Harper, as haggard with a receding hairline and an obvious drinking problem.
Dr. Harper is barely described. Other than the mention of his tan coat and galoshes in the closet, the only other thing we hear is that he smokes a pipe.
Rita Billings, is described several places as the more overbearing and caring parent. She urges Lester to let the oldest son keep his bottle, and she suggest installing a nightlight. She does however obey her husband even when he is unreasonable, like when he moves their daughter into the deceased Denny’s crib, she does not protest.
The oldest son Denny looks like Rita, while, according to Lester, Shirl looks like neither of them. However, the youngest, Andy, looks like the spitting image of Lester himself. Which probably explain why he loves Andy the most out of all the children.
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