Central to the novel's exploration of the ambiguities between politics and practice remains the characterization of Alice Mellings.

Although Alice dabbles in political activism, much of her life is spent supporting her boyfriend's habits, both political and personal, and helping out the latest societal victim whom she encounters, including homeless young mothers with children, lonely elderly neighbors, and even the alley cat. In her boring, middle-class existence Alice desires excitement, and she often indicates a displaced sexual excitement in taking a part in revolutionary methods.

When she feels that she is close to "the real thing," readers are told that "A thrill went through Alice, as when someone who has been talking for a lifetime about unicorns suddenly glimpses one." These narrative comments regarding Alice's whimsical innocence appear throughout the book as she tries to balance maintaining a household and working for the cause.

Clearly Alice struggles against...