Ethan

Ethan is one of the first person narrators and main characters of the novel. In the narrative present, Ethan is a middle-aged man struggling to redefine his relationship with his family. After discovering that his father, Gil, has had a second family for nearly two decades, Ethan must rethink how he sees his father. He has always known Gil is obsessed with wealth and success. However, once Ethan learns his father's secret, he begins seeing it as evidence of Gil's obsession with sex and power.

As his parents' marriage dissolves, Ethan and his sister, Allyson, try to take care of their mother, Abby. Ethan's partner, Tony, is particularly concerned about her. He and Ethan schedule weekly dinners, during which Tony inspires Abby to pursue her unfulfilled dreams. As his mother starts to change, Ethan does not know how to respond. He has little interest in learning the lessons...