This topic deserves no explanation, but it may merit some discussion. To start, our understanding of the “good” and “bad” supporting characters probably changes as the plot progresses. Our sympathy for Max’s friend Lenny Meyer changes quite drastically as we discover his true motives. We certainly don’t expect Ms. Dawson to show up with a couple of hit-men. And then there’s Sol. Sol is Max’s mentor; he plays Go with Max, listens to Max and has meaningful conversations with him. However, when Max tries to include Sol in his obsessive search for a pattern in the stock market, Sol firmly discourages Max from continuing his search. In time, Max realizes the danger of his pursuit and leaves us to question at what point is it necessary for one to stop such a search? How differently is martyrdom to be perceived by the friend of the martyr? What are the qualities of a true friend?
