Character Sketch of Charley
- Stressed and Insecure - Grapples with modern life's pressures.
- Escapist - Seeks refuge in his stamp collection and dreams of a simpler past.
- Optimistic Dreamer - Fascinated by the idea of time travel and the Third Level.
- Adventurous - Convinces his friend to explore the Third Level with him.
- Longing for Simplicity - Desires the peace and tranquility of his grandfather's era.
Charley, the protagonist, is a modern man burdened by stress, insecurity, and fear, yearning for an escape from harsh realities. He finds solace in his stamp collection, which his psychiatrist friend views as a temporary retreat from reality. Charley longs for the simplicity and tranquility of the past, particularly the year 1894 in Galesburg, Illinois, a time before the World Wars. Despite being young, he is nervous and fearful of living in a violent society. His fascination with time travel and belief in the Third Level at Grand Central Station as a portal to the past underscore his desire for a more peaceful existence. Charley's optimism and adventurous spirit lead him to explore the Third Level with his friend Sam, highlighting his readiness to escape modern life's pressures. Through Charley, we see a man torn between the demands of contemporary life and a longing for the peace of a bygone age.
Character Sketch of Louisa
- Loving and Caring - Devoted to supporting her husband.
- Simple and Easily Influenced - Initially offended by the psychiatrist's suggestion but eventually accepts it.
- Practical and Sensible - Keeps Charley grounded and reminds him of his responsibilities.
- Supportive - Joins Charley in searching for the Third Level.
- Understanding - Urges Charley to seek professional help and listens to his worries.
Louisa, Charley's wife, is a loving and caring woman who supports her husband through his anxieties. Initially offended by the psychiatrist's suggestion that Charley is unhappy, she later accepts that the modern world is full of insecurity and fear. When Charley talks about the Third Level, Louisa becomes alarmed and advises him to stop looking for it, concerned by his attempts to exchange new currency for old. Her practicality and sensibility keep Charley grounded, reminding him of his real-world responsibilities. Though initially skeptical, Louisa joins Charley in searching for the Third Level every weekend after Sam's disappearance, showing her dedication and compassion. Through her actions, Louisa emerges as a sensible, practical, and loving wife who supports her anxious husband while keeping him anchored in reality.
Character Sketch of Sam
- Practical and Sensible - Initially skeptical of Charley's imaginative ideas.
- Skeptical - Dismisses Charley's experiences as escapism.
- Curious - Becomes intrigued by Charley's descriptions of Galesburg.
- Desiring Peace - Longs for a simpler, less stressful life.
- Adventurous - Ultimately decides to explore the Third Level and stay in Galesburg.
Sam, Charley's friend and a psychiatrist, is a practical and sensible man who initially dismisses Charley's imaginative ideas about the Third Level as mere escapism. His profession involves daily interactions with troubled patients, making his own life stressful and fueling his desire for a break. Despite his initial skepticism, Sam becomes intrigued by Charley's descriptions of Galesburg, Illinois, a peaceful town from 1894. Curiosity and a longing for a simpler life lead him to explore the Third Level with Charley. Discovering it, Sam chooses to stay in Galesburg, seeking tranquility away from modern pressures. From Galesburg, Sam writes to Charley and Louisa, urging them to continue searching for the Third Level, as it is worth the effort. His decision to remain in 1894 reflects his shift from skepticism to embracing a simpler, happier life, leaving behind his stressful profession. Sam's journey illustrates the universal desire to find peace and escape modern life's burdens.
