Virtual Light develops a wide range V of eccentric and interesting characters. One of the two primary figures is Berry Rydell, the ex-cop, ex-IntenSecure guard with good intentions but bad luck. He is a typical Gibson antihero except that he strives mightily always to do the right thing. He is often bumbling, however, and prone to manipulation. He is another of Gibson's unwashed, shaggy dog young men who appear inept but who, through some accident of fate, and usually through the help of a strong woman, finally succeed.

The strong woman of Virtual Light is the young bike messenger Chevette Washington. She is a spike-haired runaway waif from a city on the fringe who comes to the city to make something of herself. In this case, she finds friends such as the charismatic Sammy Sal and the fatherly Skinner who teach her the ropes and help her get...