What is desperate about Desperate Characters? And what is the conception of desperation in the book all about?

In what sense is Sophie desperate?

In what sense is Otto desperate?

What are the problems in Otto and Sophie's marriage? How do they handle them? Do they resolve them? If so, how?

What is the dispute between Otto and Charlie significant for Otto? For Charlie?

What does the cat bite symbolize?

What doesn't Sophie want the cat to die?

What doesn't Sophie have her wound treated?

Do you feel that Desperate Characters has an adequate resolution? If so, what is it? If not, what would be adequate?