The Dying Animal

Main Characters and Their Development

• David Kepesh - the protagonist and narrator, a professor experiencing a midlife crisis and feeling a strong attraction to his students. His character develops through his relationship with Consuela, where he confronts his own fears of aging and vulnerability.
• Consuela Castillo - a young student of Cuban descent who becomes the object of David's passion. She is portrayed as a beautiful and self-assured woman, whose relationship with David reveals her inner struggles and battles with cultural expectations.
• Kenny - David's son, who appears in the book as a symbol of familial obligations and the past that David must face. His presence highlights the tension between personal freedom and family responsibilities.
• Carolyn - David's former lover, who is also part of his past. Her role in the book helps to uncover the complex aspects of David's character and his inability to commit long-term.