While Earl Beale, the central figure of Trust, hails from the quaint town of Occident, Vermont, the unfolding drama takes us predominantly into the heart of Massachusetts. Here, we're introduced to a diverse tapestry of characters, spanning the spectrum from affluence to impoverishment. Unlike Trust, which ventures just once into the bustling Boston office of a political consultant, Victories largely anchors its characters within the world of Occident. None among them reach the wealth of Simmons or experience the dislocation of Earl. Still, it does venture into the corridors of power with scenes of Congressman Wainwright's life in Washington, DC.

Several intriguing characters weave through the narratives of both novels. Don Beale, a car dealer from Occident, makes a fleeting appearance in Trust, where he openly shares his skepticism about his brother, yet he somehow finds himself taking Earl's word that the stolen Mercedes is legitimate—a car sale that finds mention in both stories. In Victories, Don emerges as a steadfast supporter of Henry Briggs's candidacy. Meanwhile, Ed Cobb, the dynamic Vermont Assembly Speaker, who nudges Briggs towards running, also plays a pivotal role in Trust. His actions form a critical link between the tales. Upon Earl's release from prison, Cobb uses his influence, as a favor to Don, to scrub Earl's criminal past. In exchange, Don persuades Earl to help a motel owner by "stealing" and obliterating the Mercedes. The motel owner can rely on Cobb due to a favor he once did by concealing a tragedy—a young girl who succumbed to alcohol poisoning—at his establishment, involving Henry Briggs and his companion.

Thus, the intricate web of connections between the characters of the two novels is richly woven with complexities. Nevertheless, each novel is crafted to stand independently, offering a complete and fulfilling narrative experience in its own right.