Tom Guthrie

Tom Guthrie is a good teacher and a good father, but he is encountering severe obstacles in both roles. It would be wholly inaccurate to view Guthrie's currently chaotic life as part of a mid-life crisis. Guthrie is not confused. In terms of work and home he knows exactly what he wants. He wants to continue being what he has been, a good teacher and a good father.

At home, Guthrie's efforts to provide a good life for Ike and Bobby are impaired by his absentee wife. At first she is emotionally absent, and then she becomes physically absent in a few stages. She moves to a guest bedroom where she stays all day and all night. Later she moves to a rented house in town. Later still she leaves town. These constant changes and disruptions make it impossible for Guthrie to create the stability and reliability...