The chief characters in the central action of the novel are the trio of ambitious young people seeking success and identity in the world dominated by Bogan Murdock's interests. These three, along with Windham, the hill-country murderer turned evangelist, and his polar opposite, the ruthless pragmatist, Bogan Murdock, are the central characters—even though Murdock is presented primarily through the point of view of others and through the impact of his actions.

Of these three young people, the most interesting may be Sue Murdock, whom Warren portrays as a rebellious woman ahead of her time, seeking emancipation from conventional roles. Unfortunately, Sue, who also represents the modern spirit in quest of values or a soul, is destroyed by her search, because she unwisely becomes the lover of Slim Sarrett.

Although Sue learns the weaknesses and flaws of Sarrett and Jerry Calhoun, the former football player trying to...