Main Characters and Their Roles
Gabriel "Gabe" Carter
Role: Protagonist, Narrator
Relationship: Nephew of Tina, Son of Jimmy and Dee Carter
Profession: Culinary Specialist (CS), Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) in the U.S. Coast Guard
Personality: Independent, struggling with financial debt, practical thinker, and reluctant to accept parental guidance.
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Tina Reynolds
Role: Deuteragonist (Second Main Character)
Relationship: Gabe's Aunt (Mother's Older Sister)
Profession: Former exotic dancer, currently unknown but appears to be financially stable
Personality: Sultry, independent, estranged from her sister, and has a mysterious past.
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Dee Carter
Role: Supporting Character
Relationship: Gabe's Mother, Tina's Younger Sister, Jimmy's Wife
Profession: Not mentioned, but likely a homemaker or employed in a middle-class profession
Personality: Judgmental, controlling, and deeply resentful of her sister Tina.
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Jimmy Carter
Role: Supporting Character
Relationship: Gabe's Father, Dee's Husband, Former Coast Guard Applicant
Profession: Unspecified, but appears to be a middle-class worker with some connection to military culture.
Personality: Level-headed, pragmatic, often the mediator between Dee and Tina, and supportive of Gabe's career.
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Unnamed Ex-Girlfriend
Role: Minor Character (Referenced in Backstory)
Relationship: Gabe's former romantic partner
Profession: Unknown
Personality: Likely manipulative or reckless, as her relationship with Gabe contributed to his financial debt.
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Frannie Reynolds
Role: Minor Character (Cousin)
Relationship: Tina's Daughter, Gabe's Cousin
Profession: Unspecified, likely around Gabe's age.
Personality: Not explored in-depth, but referenced in family interactions.
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Professional Terms Used in the Story
Petty Officer Third Class (E-4): Gabe's rank in the U.S. Coast Guard, indicating a junior non-commissioned officer position.
Culinary Specialist (CS): Gabe's military job, responsible for preparing meals, managing food inventory, and handling nutrition for personnel.
Barracks: On-base housing for enlisted military personnel.
Deployment: Temporary military assignment, often overseas or at sea, lasting weeks or months.
Stipend: Military allowance provided for off-base housing.