Dr Arturo Duaz Vigil

Dr. Vigil serves as the town's doctor. He is also a friend of Monsieur Laruelle. Laruelle asks the doctor to help the consul with his drinking problem. The doctor feels the problem is too far gone. He only suggests that the consul engage in moderate drinking to calm his nerves, which become overwrought from withdrawal in a matter of hours.

M. Jacques Laruelle

Laruelle is a Frenchman who relocates to Mexico, only to discover a childhood playmate. Laruelle met the consul on the shores of France as a boy, soon after the death of the consul's parents. The two form a distant friendship, born only of necessity, as the only boys of their age in the area.

Laruelle remembers the consul's family as heavy drinkers, beginning early in the day and continuing until they passed out each evening. Ironically, as a youth, the consul refuses...