Andy Barber

Andy Barber is the main character and narrator of the novel. He serves as First Assistant to the District Attorney until his son is charged with murder in connection with the death of a schoolmate. Barber is the husband of Laurie Barber and the father of Jacob Barber. He is the son of Bloody Billy Barber, a man who is serving a life sentence for a murder. Barber has never told his son or his wife about his background of violence which includes his grandfather and great-grandfather. He has not told his wife about his father because he was afraid that she would not stay with him if she knew his background. After they were married, he reasoned that there was never a good time to tell her.

Throughout the course of the novel, Barber claims that he believes his son is innocent. He maintains his belief...