The protagonists, Frank and Trevor, are as unremarkable as they come, leading lives steeped in routine and predictability. In stark contrast, it is the supporting cast—Desdemona, her confidant Fernando, Joe Merchant, and the unforgettable Rudy Breno—who infuse vibrancy and depth into the narrative.

The Enigmatic Joe Merchant

Joe Merchant is a brooding, enigmatic figure who descends into the shadowy realm of professional assassins. His persona echoes the mystique of deceased rock icons like Jim Morrison, intriguingly sharing the same initials. This parallel might be an homage to the lively Jimmy Merchant. Desdemona and Trevor provide a composite portrait of Joe, revealing further resemblances. Desdemona depicts him as both a genius and a madman, driven by the primitive urges of his psyche. At one moment, he is the heart of the celebration, and in the next, a tempestuous force ready to unleash violence. With his dark hair, striking looks, and unpredictable nature, he embodies a wild spirit. Trevor's memories of her brother's spiral into chaos, fueled by his insatiable cravings for drugs and carnal pleasures, along with his explosive temper, cast him firmly in the Morrison mold. As the story nears its climax, Trevor and Frank find themselves outside a nightclub, captivated by the unmistakable guitar riffs of her vanished brother playing an "electrifying rendition of the classical instrumental break of his signature song," a moment that inevitably draws comparisons to the innovative instrumental break of The Doors' "Light My Fire," an anthem of rock history.

A Tapestry of Vivid Characters

The ever-changing backdrop of the story serves as a stage for a diverse ensemble of secondary characters, each with quirks that capture the eccentric passions and obsessions of society at large. Among them is Fernando, an island entertainer convinced he is the reincarnation of Ricky Ricardo. His friend Desdemona challenges this belief, asserting that one cannot channel a television character. In this whimsical exchange, the infamous "fruitcake" lady delivers her verdict on Fernando's tenuous grip on reality, showcasing the boundaries of her acceptance.