Lotto is a man who when combining his “bad skin, his big forehead, the slightly bulbous nose [that] moderated what was almost a girlishly pretty face (289)” became irresistibly sexy to those around him. He also exuded a genuine interest in him in others. By making others feel wanted and being approachably beautiful, he is adored by everyone. Lotto’s gains him ragtag friends unloved by others.

Lotto’s knack for coasting doesn’t help his acting career, but thanks to Mathilde’s help, Lotto is able to carve out a successful career as a playwright. Lotto’s writing illustrates his need for attention and popularity more than a desire to be substantive and original.

Lotto copes with his problems and the tragedies he’s witnessed through alcohol and seeks comfort through physical contact. Despite his female-centric upbringing, Lotto lacks practical application of his feminist beliefs as he relied female caretakers throughout his lifetime through his mother, aunt, sister and wife.

Born to a British family, Mathilde, born Aurelie, shows an early distaste for sharing that creates a domino effect of loneliness that lasts for the full of her life. Disowned by her family for her participation in her little brother’s death, her early isolation in Paris, and then as a French girl at an American school, stunts Aurelie’s social development.