Leo Gursky
Leo is a rather interesting and hilarious character. His desire for attention and recognition is crucial. Whenever he feels lonely, he goes out and causes a commotion just so people would pay attention to what he is doing. His friend Bruno, who lives upstairs may also be a figment of his imagination designed to expedient his need for attention.
Despite being cheerful and humorous most of the time, Leo is emotionally distressed and constantly ponders on the nature of his death. He even bought a cemetery plot where he wants to be buried when he dies. He also wonders where his last moments would be and who will be the first to discover his body.
Leo is also married to his first love, Alma, and has a son, Isaac. He loves his family dearly and is committed to ensuring their safety and happiness.
Alma Singer
Alma is one of the protagonists in the novel. She is the everyday teenage girl but unlike her peers, she has a lot on her shoulders. Alma is still mourning the death of her father who passed on a few years ago. Her mother is gravely ill and slowly fading from her children’s life. Alma’s younger brother is constantly bullied at school which leads to his constant acting out. On top of that, Alma is going through adolescence which is all the more confusing for her. Nonetheless, she is strong-willed and very intelligent.
Zvi Litvinoff
Zvi is one of Leo’s oldest and closest friends. Both Zvi and Leo moved to America after immense suffering back in Poland. However, as the book progresses, Zvi betrays Leo by stealing his work, The History of Love. It is unclear whether Leo forgives his best friend but Zvi later admits to stealing the book and agrees to give it back.
