The story of Freaky Deaky both begins and culminates with Chris Mankowski, a character of depth and integrity. As a police detective entrenched in uncovering a web of crimes, he embodies the moral heartbeat of the tale. Mankowski's character, crafted with authenticity, is a relatable figure—a dedicated professional navigating the strains of keeping his place in the police force. In a 1985 conversation, Leonard remarked, "My cops, I feel, are real cops .... I try to make them as real as possible. My cops cut corners a little bit, just as the real ones do."

Despite his imperfections, Mankowski remains untainted by corruption. An everyman caught in life's tangles, he emerges as the novel's hero, leaving readers with the reassurance of his eventual triumph. In Leonard's narratives, the protagonists are destined to succeed.

Yet, success in his career does not necessarily reflect in Mankowski's personal sphere. He grapples with forming lasting connections with women, a challenge starkly contrasted by his father’s prowess in relationships. However, Greta, who shares her own sense of aimlessness, might just be the kindred spirit Chris has been searching for amid the city's gritty labyrinth.

Criminals and Their Complexities

In the murky underworld, Skip Gibbs and Robin Abbott fumble along. Veterans of chaos, they left their mark by blowing up an army recruiting office in Detroit back in 1971. Now embroiled in murder, extortion, and more, this dynamic duo of reprobates, while lacking ethics, aren't entirely unlikeable. Their villainy is layered and captivating, and though Leonard veers away from justifying their deeds, their initial rebellion against authority hints at a socio-political conscience. Yet, their true intentions remain dubious, as Skip candidly challenges, "You gonna tell me we were trying to change the world? We were kicking ass and having fun."

Robin's vendetta against the Ricks brothers, however, lacks any grand ideology. Her motives: revenge and a financial windfall. Teaming with Donnell Lewis, once her lover and comrade, their objectives intertwine, his driven by racial and monetary pursuits. Donnell stands apart with his humor, and Leonard’s portrayal of Woody Ricks through Donnell’s lens adds a layer of comedic irony to the unfolding drama.

Leonard masterfully blurs the line between virtue and vice within Freaky Deaky, a signature touch that transforms his characters into vivid, believable figures. This storytelling nuance defies the usual boundaries of crime fiction, rendering his creations refreshingly realistic and far from clichéd.