Berger's succinct novel weaves its tale around two compelling protagonists: Richie Maranville, a serial killer driven to rage by poor etiquette, and John Felton, a naive suburbanite. Berger's skillful storytelling often hints at the depth of his supporting cast, even if the narrative lacks the space to fully explore them. Aside from Sharon, a young woman, and Tim, a boy, who narrowly escape Richie's wrath, the remaining characters make fleeting but impactful appearances. For instance, John's wife emerges only in the story's final act, while other minor figures enjoy a brief but striking presence.

Richie: A Chilling Presence

The novel's most unforgettable personality, Richie, stands as one of the most convincingly depicted serial killers in modern American literature. Shaped by his upbringing in orphanages and psychiatric wards, Richie harbors a survivalist's disdain for established institutions and societal authority. His scorn is particularly directed toward the police, the embodiment of such authority, but his deepest loathing is reserved for those who exhibit discourteous behavior toward strangers. Richie is equally repulsed by individuals who mindlessly partake in the daily charades of social hypocrisy. When a motel manager gives him a subpar room, Richie retaliates by desecrating one of the beds and later, by murdering a fellow guest, leaving the body as fuel for a blaze he ignites. He even considers punishing an overweight waitress, whom he perceives as lacking self-discipline and indulging in the restaurant's food, and who offers insipid niceties following his meal.

Richie's Twisted Ideals

The great paradox of Richie's character lies in his warped idealism: he kills out of fury at society's neglect of its own values and codes. This same frustration fuels his inexplicable fondness for John Felton, whom he sees as a gallant idealist, perpetually at the mercy of others' selfishness. Richie's respect for John imbues him with a tragic grandeur, yet ultimately becomes his downfall. His ill-conceived decision to visit John's home and family provokes John to fiercely protect his loved ones.

John: A Misguided Innocent

Conversely, John spends much of the novel as a frustratingly unaware character. In stark contrast to the savvy Sharon, who immediately identifies Richie's true nature, John remains oblivious for nearly half of the story, bewildered by the hostility and scorn from strangers who mistake him for Richie's double. Readers, quick to understand the reality of Richie's heinous deeds, might grow impatient with John, who lacks the cunning of Berger's Jack Crabb or even the hard-earned wisdom of the seasoned Reinhart. Berger accentuates John's innocence to underscore his fundamental kindness and to remind readers of how reasonable John's outlook would be in a more civil and peaceful America.

The Climactic Confrontation

In the novel's climactic scenes, where John triumphs over Richie to protect his family from the threat of Richie's malice, Berger reaffirms his belief in the potential heroism within ordinary individuals. Much like the mature Reinhart, the enlightened Fred Wagner, and the insightful Lydia in his later works, John emerges resilient, having braved an initiation into the harsh realities of evil.