John Bickerson Bolling
Chapter 1
Binx / Jack / John Bickerson Bolling
The protagonist, a thirty-year-old stockbroker living in Gentilly, rides the bus to his aunt's house where he investigates the mystery of his existence and encounters William Holden on the street. He later confronts Aunt Emily about Kate's condition, refuses her proposal for him to enter medical school, visits Kate in the basement to confirm she will not attend the ball, and takes her to a movie to help her feel a sense of place.
Chapter 2
Binx / Bolling / Jackie / John Bickerson — aliases: Mr Bolling
Binx navigates his office dynamics, focusing intensely on his secretary Sharon Kincaid while performing his vertical and horizontal searches. He visits a theater to anchor his sense of place and travels to St. Bernard Parish to inspect his patrimony with Sharon and a contractor. Later, he manipulates his schedule to work late with Sharon, deepening their connection through professional tasks. He receives news of Kate's disappearance but ultimately picks her up after she finds herself 'free' during a storm.
Chapter 3
Jack / John
Binx impulsively closes his office and drives Sharon Kincaid to the Gulf Coast, where they are involved in a minor accident that he views as a way to defeat malaise. He takes Sharon to his mother's fishing camp, interacts with his half-brother Lonnie, and discusses his philosophical search for meaning while grappling with the 'everydayness' of ordinary life.
Chapter 4
Binx / Brother Andy / John — aliases: Trader Jack
Binx travels with Kate to Chicago, struggling with the oppressive atmosphere of the city and his business duties. He visits Harold Graebner, feels the weight of the past, and obeys his aunt's summons to return home. On the bus ride back, he engages with fellow passengers and eventually walks through the deserted streets of New Orleans with Kate.
Chapter 5
Jack Bolling
Binx stands before his aunt, listening to her critique of his moral failures and the decline of their social class, offering minimal defense before leaving her house. Later, he sits in Kate's car on Ash Wednesday, agreeing to marry her and promising to support her through her treatment while observing the street scene and reflecting on his own existential state.