Lester Ballard is the main character of the novel. He has no living family or connections in Sevier County. Lester is actually the only character that is present in the book for more than a couple of pages. The book follows his descent into solitude and madness. The book begins with Lester as a virtual outsider in Sevier County. His property has just been auctioned off. No one wants to help him because he makes other people uncomfortable with his violent ways and rough demeanor. The only friend he really has is the dumpkeeper, who's character is also questionable. Lester enjoys visiting the dumpkeeper because he gets to look at his young, developing daughters. Lester often teases them and hopes that they will like him in return. For the most part, he does not.....
