Inherent Vice

Main Characters and Their Development

• Doc Sportello — the main character, a private detective investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend Shasta Fay Hepworth. Throughout the investigation, he encounters various criminal elements and corrupt structures, leading to profound personal and professional changes.
• Shasta Fay Hepworth — Doc Sportello's ex-girlfriend, whose disappearance sets the plot in motion. Her character and motives remain mysterious throughout the book, adding an element of uncertainty and tension.
• Bigfoot Bjornsen — a Los Angeles police detective who is both an antagonist and ally to Doc. His complex relationship with the main character and his own internal conflicts make him one of the most multi-dimensional characters.
• Coy Harlingen — a saxophonist who also disappears under mysterious circumstances. His story intertwines with Doc's investigation, adding new layers to the overall mystery.
• Mickey Wolfmann — a wealthy developer whose disappearance is also tied to the main investigation. His character symbolizes corruption and moral decay in the upper echelons of power.