Barman

The barman works in the pub that the protagonist frequented in his youth. The barman's repeated comment, "that's been a minute," meaning a very long time, establishes the intimate connection between past and present in the story.

Cora's daughter

See Miss Whitehead

Frankie Corbett

Frankie Corbett is a friend and former suitor of Cora Whitehead. His actions are limited to the flashbacks that dominate the middle of the story. Without appearing in the text, Frankie sells a motorcycle to the protagonist, and he subsequently lends money to the protagonist and Cora to help them purchase a farm. When the loan is being negotiated, Frankie receives considerable attention from Cora, and this fact enrages the increasingly jealous protagonist, particularly after Cora becomes pregnant. When Frankie finally does appear, taking his dog for a walk, he is promptly killed by the protagonist. During their encounter, Frankie is rather annoyed that...