NW

Cooper – Felix is the main character of the “Guest” section of the novel, but he is referenced only briefly as the victim of a fatal stabbing at Albert Road in Leah’s and Natalie’s stories. Felix is Black, and his father Lloyd came out of one of London’s poorest squats. At first, Felix seems to be the quintessential example of a self-made man who rose up from difficult circumstances. Despite a history of addiction and alcoholism, as well as a failed romantic relationship that led to children he never sees, Felix seems to be turning his life around. He has given up drinking and started a new relationship with Grace that seems to be getting serious. Still, due to the structure of the novel, the audience knows that Felix will be murdered before his character is even properly introduced. Felix represents how despite the promise of social mobility in modern cities, some people remain trapped by the circumstances of their birth, including race and class, which can lead to prejudice and unsurmountable obstacles.