How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Randy knew he wasn't an alcoholic because an alcoholic craved liquor. He never craved it. He just drank for pleasure. (1.23)
We don't know if that one will hold up in a court of law, Randy. Jokes aside, this gives us an indication of what Randy's character was like before The Day. He's not a bad dude or anything, just not the kind of guy you can rely on.
Quote #2
"But [Bill] is dying faster than he should. The better a man is at business, the worse in retirement. [...] He wishes himself dead, and he dies." (3.121)
Bill McGovern is another guy who goes through a serious transformation over the course of the novel. Before The Day, Bill is caught in a serious depression after retiring from his job as a high-powered corporate executive. And what's his personal transformation, you ask? You'll just have to keep reading to find out.
Quote #3
Dan could imagine no combination of circumstances that would allow him to amass enough capital to buy off his former wife and set him free to fight the plagues. (3.110-111)
His dream of being a super-doctor crushed by a monthly onslaught of alimony bills, Dan Gunn has grown bitter and bored treating rich retirees for their imaginary illnesses. He feels trapped—like he'll be stuck running in the same place his entire life. If only some crazy, unforeseen disaster would come along to shake things up. If only.