Francis "Fix" Keating

The first husband of Beverly and father of Franny and Caroline. He is a working class cop and, despite being separated from his daughters after the divorce, a devoted father. He is observant and blessed (or cursed) with a great memory. He is a masterful storyteller, which makes him highly valued by the other characters. At one point, he attempts to leave law enforcement to become a lawyer; however he is unable to pass the California Bar Exam despite repeated attempts.

He is a foil for Albert "Bert" Cousins. While Bert is focused on style and appearances, Fix is focused on substance. Fix also contrasts with Leon Posen: while Leon Posen is an author, Fix is a storyteller.

Frances "Franny" Keating

The younger daughter of Fix and Beverly, and sister to Caroline. The events of her christening party set the course for the novel. She is...