Gillian Duncan - Gillian is Robert's mother and Joey's girlfriend at the beginning of the story. She is described as a "sixty-something" housewife in the past, but in the present narrative, she appears to be concerned with her appearance, having "silicone" enhanced breasts and a "taut, pinched" face. She is observant and intuitive, quickly discerning when Robert is high and recognizing the subtle attraction between Robert and Joey. Gillian is deeply disappointed and enraged when Robert confesses his involvement in drug dealing and when she discovers Joey naked in Robert's bed after a party. She is firm in her decisions, breaking up with Joey and throwing him out of her house. Despite her anger, she still expresses love for Robert and wishes for him to avoid self-destructive behavior. She initially seems unaware of the full extent of the danger her son is involved in