Like a House on Fire Characters

The unnamed narrator is a husband, the father of three children, and the story’s protagonist. After an accident at work almost sixteen weeks ago, he is still recovering from a serious back injury. He is… read analysis of The narrator

Claire is a foil to the narrator, her husband. While he requires neatness, order, and control, Claire prefers to embrace the messy and unpredictable side of life. Claire is exhausted from working extra shifts… read analysis of Claire

At eight-years-old, Ben is the narrator’s eldest son. He has reached the age where he is skeptical of almost everything, is disinterested in family activities, and no longer believes in Santa or flying reindeer… read analysis of Ben

Sam is the narrator’s middle child. He is interested in watching the television and impressing his older brother, Ben, who he looks to for affirmation. The narrator remembers nostalgically how, the Christmas before… read analysis of Sam