Diamond's physical vitality, symbolized by the aura, manifests itself in different ways. His sexual vitality and attractiveness in the competing eyes of both his voluptuous showgirl mistress Kiki Roberts and devoted wife Alice fascinate the public. He is propositioned while on his European trip and later while dining in the Rain-Bo room with both his wife and mistress. During his trial, he receives propositions in the mail. Gorman calls him "a man in touch with primal needs." He survives four attempts on his life, including one where he is shot with five bullets by five gangsters at point blank range. He is handsome, well dressed, a "dude of all gangsters," a "dauphin" according to Gorman.

The opening line of the novel is Gorman's ("I really don't think he's dead") and the last line of the novel is the dead Diamond's ("Honest to God, Marcus ... I really don't think I'm dead"). These fanciful denials of his mortality which frame the narrative express the incredulity of both characters that the seemingly invincible Diamond could be killed. His mythic presence in the public consciousness asserts another kind of vitality. In his status as folk hero and legendary figure he has achieved immortality and outlasted death.