An unemployed author who moves to Puerto Rico to work at a local newspaper. He immerses himself in a hedonistic lifestyle, befriends colleagues, and eventually discovers a corrupt resort venture. After taking hallucinogens, he has an epiphany, investigates shady business deals, and prints a final newspaper issue exposing the truth. He ultimately leaves the island, returns to New York, marries Chenault, and finds success as a journalist.
Their attraction develops into a relationship that continues after Kemp leaves Puerto Rico.
Kemp is immediately smitten after meeting Chenault. They share an intimate moment, and she later seeks refuge with him after Sanderson disowns her.
They become close friends and companions in both journalism and reckless nightlife.
Sala welcomes Kemp to the newspaper, helps him adjust, and immediately joins him in a drinking binge. Kemp later moves in with Sala.
Sanderson temporarily employs Kemp while concealing the venture's questionable dealings.
Sanderson offers Kemp a side job writing public relations material for his venture and introduces him to the resort development plan.
Lotterman is Kemp's editor and institutional obstacle to independent reporting.
Kemp works at Lotterman's newspaper, but Lotterman objects to his drinking and refuses to publish his stories about poverty and Sanderson.
Kemp participates in a ritual encounter that supports the group's final attempt to raise money.
Kemp visits Papa Nebo with Sala to obtain a blessing for Sala's prize cockerel before the cockfighting bet.
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