A talented pool hustler, Billy forms a significant bond with Jack in prison, providing a counterpoint to Jack’s aggression with his intelligence and search for connection.

A recurring friend in Jack’s life, Denny is characterized by his hedonistic lifestyle and reflects the aimlessness and instability of a life of petty crime.

Jack’s wife, who attempts to find purpose and stability through their marriage, ultimately struggling with dissatisfaction and her own desires.

A wealthy, philosophical figure who becomes a benefactor to Jack and later forms a connection with Sally, exerting influence through his financial power.

A disciplined gambler who navigates the criminal underworld with composure, serving as a mentor figure to Jack with a focus on calculated risk.

Jack’s biological parents, whose brief and tragic story introduces the novel’s themes and sets the stage for Jack’s life.

Two women Jack and Denny encounter in San Francisco, embodying the transient and transactional relationships of the drifter lifestyle.