Alexander Cleave

Alexander Cleave is the main character in the novel. When the novel begins, Alexander is a young boy of ten years old. Then, he progresses to a fifteen year old, whose best friend is Billy Gray. It is when Alexander is fifteen that he first starts to notice girls, women and the female body.

This is also when Alexander and Mrs. Gray start their torrid love affair. Alexander seems to be struggling with his need and desire for Mrs. Gray, her body and her love, and his maturity level. For example, he often cries and pouts to get his way with Mrs. Gray, as a child would with their mother. in their case, however, Alexander and Mrs. Gray are having sex.

Alexander often thinks of these pouting sessions with Mrs. Gray as practice for his career in acting. Alexander grows up to be a stage actor as...