Who Are The Main Characters In Cocksure?

I recently stumbled upon 'Cocksure' and was immediately struck by its bold, eccentric characters. The protagonist, Mortimer Griffin, is this neurotic ad exec whose life spirals into absurdity—think Don Draper meets Kafka. His wife, Martha, is a fascinating counterbalance, oscillating between exasperation and dark humor. Then there’s the enigmatic Shalimar, a seductive figure who blurs reality for Mortimer. The novel’s packed with satirical side characters, like the pompous Dr. Frost and the grotesque Mr. Crund, who amplify its surreal critique of modernity.

The beauty of 'Cocksure' lies in how these characters aren’t just individuals but vessels for Richler’s razor-sharp wit. Mortimer’s existential crises feel painfully relatable, while Shalimar’s manipulations keep you guessing. It’s less about traditional arcs and more about how they collide in this chaotic, hilarious tapestry. I keep revisiting scenes just to unpack the layers—like Martha’s deadpan reactions to Mortimer’s meltdowns, which still crack me up.