Although Lester Atlas claims to be Norman Paperman's friend, Paperman at times recoils from him. How does Paperman really feel about Atlas? What are Atlas' real motives for helping Paperman buy the Gull Reef Club?

Iris Tramm has already ended her career as a movie actress as well as her marriage, and made two suicide attempts when Norman Paperman meets her. Does her behavior seem to indicate suicidal tendencies?

Why does Norman Paperman want to buy the Gull Reef Club and move to the Caribbean. Is it just simply a case of midlife crisis, or are there other factors involved?

Why is it the case, as one of Paperman's friends points out, that the island is full of "frauds, fakes, failures and freaks?" Is it because the island offers a safe hiding place, or because of its tolerant culture—or both?

After Paperman...