Smith

Characters

CharactersJohn Smith: The main character of the novel, referred to as "Smith" throughout the book, is a farm boy-turned-English professor. He uses his love of literature to deal with his unfulfilling family life.

Sharon Bostwick Smith: Smith's wife, a neurotic woman, came from a strict and sheltered upbringing. Smith falls in love with the idea of her, but soon realizes that she is bitter and has been for so long before they were married.

Doris Smith: Smith and Sharon's only child, Doris is easily influenced by her mother. Sharon keeps Doris away from and against her father because of the couple's failed relationship as a sort of "punishment" for Smith.

George Wren: Smith's colleague and only real ally and friend, he has known Smith since her grad school and becomes the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. His affable and outgoing demeanor contrasts with Smith's.

Brian Doyon: Smith's friend from grad school, he is killed during World War I, but his words have a lasting impact on Smith's worldview.

Bowman Quinn: As Smith's teacher and mentor, he inspired Smith to leave farming and study English literature. He is old and sickly when Smith is hired at the university.

Robin Loomis: Quinn's "replacement" at the university, he and Smith started out as friends, but Smith eventually sees him as an "enemy". Smith and Loomis disagree on their working lives. He is described as a hunchback.

Colin Stander: Loomis' crippled mentee, he is an arrogant and duplicitous young man who uses rhetorical flourishes to hide his scientific ineptitude. He also becomes an enemy of Smith.

Charlotte Durbin: A younger teacher, she is having an affair with Smith. University politics and circumstances prevent her from continuing the relationship.