Chapter 13, "The Man Who Loved Others" Summary

Readers are introduced to Mario Stefani, a famous poet, in chapter 13. Mario Stefani appears to be a quirky character on his TV show, addressing imaginary people and the like. Outwardly gay, many of Stefani's poems are erotic, ranging from playful to graphic.

Many pieces of graffiti signed by Mario Stefani are appearing around the city, but he denies that it is he, insisting that it is a fan, instead. A shocking event happens about a month after the first piece of graffiti is noticed; Mario hangs himself in his kitchen. His suicide is discovered by a friend of his, Elena de Maria. While waiting for Mario, Elena had called and received no answer from his house. After Mario neglected to show up for their meeting, she called the fire department. The...