Vicky Austin — The heroine of the Austin family series of novels and stories, Vicky is the first person narrator of this book and others. "Almost" sixteen years old at the time of the novel, Vicky is caught between a need for independence and her family responsibilities as she maintains somewhat troubled relationships with three very different boys, develops her talent for writing poetry, and attempts to understand how the death that seems to surround her can co-exist with the loving God her dying grandfather proclaims.
John Austin — Vicky's scientifically-minded older brother, John, is a student at M.I.T.. Although he is primarily interested in astrophysics, he has taken a summer intern position working at a marine biology research station, where he has become friends with Adam Eddington. Kind and philosophical, he is ableto help Vicky when she feels snubbed by Adam, due to his knowledge of Adam's personal history and activities.
Suzy Austin — Generally considered the beauty of the family, and talented in ways Vicky is not, Suzy is the object of a certain amount of jealousy and sibling rivalry with her sister Vicky. Suzy has wanted to be a doctor "all my life," but worries that she will not be able to make the transition from medicalgames with dolls to caring for living patients, being unable to make herself spend time with her dying grandfather. Suzy is fond of animals, and is interested in the dolphins at the research station. She takes a summer job helping Leo Rodney's brother Jacky with his launch business, which Vicky considers a "made-up job."
Rob Austin — The youngest of the Austin children, Robert Austin is curious and loving, with a penchant for insightful questions and unintentional wordplay. He spends much of the book playing with a child his own age at a neighbor's house, but is nevertheless deeply affected by his grandfather's illness and Vicky's eventual breakdown. Madeleine L'Engle has acknowledged that Rob is based on her own youngest child, Bion Franklin.
Dr. Wallace Austin , or "Wally", is the father of the four Austin children. Normally a "country doctor" in general practice, he has just concluded a year of research into the medical use of lasers in New York city, and is writing a book on the subject.
Victoria Austin , Vicky's mother and namesake, is the daughter of Reverend Eaton, a former singer who met her husband while singing at a hospital. Her main concern in the course of the book is for her dying father, and secondarily for the rest of her family.
Reverend Eaton , Vicky's grandfather, was a popular minister who also spent time as a missionary in Africa. He is a widower, having lost his wife Caro years before the events of Meet the Austins . He lives in a converted stable filled with books, from which he will often quote when making a religious or philosophical point. Now retired except for the occasional service, he is dying of leukemia, and sometimes confuses Vicky for Caro. At other times he is a wise counselor for Vicky, advising her about boys and God and death, and encouraging her in her writing.
Zachary Gray — Extremely affluent but directionless, Zachary vacillates between his desires for redemption and self-destruction, especially in this book, his second appearance, where he half-heartedly attempts suicide as the story opens. He is described as being, "gorgeous", pale skinned, and with "velvety black" hair. He appears to have a heart condition. Charming, exciting, unpredictable and emotionally needy, Zach brings out both the best and worst in Vicky, and eventually deserts her in a moment of crisis.
Adam Eddington — Marine biology student, who graduated from high school at 16 and already interned with at least two major authorities in the field before coming to the research station. Having been betrayed by Kali Cutter in The Arm of the Starfish , Adam tries to keep his emotional distance from Vicky while enlisting her in his dolphin communication project. He considers himself primarily a scientist rather than a poet like Vicky.
Leo Rodney — son of the newly deceased Commander Rodney of the local Coast Guard station, he runs a charter launch business with his brother Jacky. He had hoped to attend college, but is prepared to give this up in order to help support his family; his mother returns to nursing instead. Less sure of eternalverities since his father's death, he reads extensively from Reverend Eaton's library and discusses God and death with Vicky, while seeking a more romantic relationship than Vicky is willing to allow him.
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