The Speed of Dark characters

Appears from the start

An autistic man employed in a specialist pattern-analysis unit at a pharmaceutical company. Lou values order, precision, music, fencing, and the routines that let him navigate an often confusing social world. He has built an independent adult life and resists the assumption that intelligence or difference makes him incapable of choosing for himself.

Appears from the start

The direct supervisor of Lou's work group. Pete understands the unusual strengths of his employees and the practical value of accommodations, and he tries to shield them from executive decisions made without their input.

Appears from the start

A newly empowered company executive who sees the autistic unit's facilities and support services chiefly as avoidable expenses. Crenshaw uses managerial pressure and the language of opportunity to push employees toward an experimental treatment.

Appears from the start

One of Lou's autistic colleagues. Bailey is an independent adult and skilled analyst whose reactions help Lou see that members of the group can understand the same threat differently without any one response representing them all.

Appears from the start

A member of Lou's work group and one of the autistic adults affected by the company's proposed changes. Linda contributes to the group's discussions about risk, consent, and what treatment might alter.

First appears in chapter 2

An experienced fencer who hosts the informal group where Lou practices. Tom treats Lou as a fellow athlete, gives direct instruction, and offers friendship without turning every difference into a clinical problem.

First appears in chapter 2

Tom's wife and a welcoming presence in the fencing circle. Lucia is attentive to tensions among the group's members and helps make their home a place where Lou can participate on familiar terms.

First appears in chapter 2

A woman in Lou's fencing group toward whom he feels a growing attraction. Marjory is patient, friendly, and interested in Lou as a person, though he finds it difficult to tell how her warmth differs from ordinary friendship.

First appears in chapter 3

Another member of the fencing circle. Don is possessive about Marjory and resents her friendship with Lou, expressing jealousy through hostility that others initially find easier to dismiss than Lou does.

First appears in chapter 10

A physician and researcher involved in evaluating the new neurological treatment for autism. Dr Forrester gives Lou technical information about what is known, what remains uncertain, and why the decision cannot be reduced to a promise of becoming normal.