* Mark: A successful stockbroker, Mark is seemingly living the perfect life. He has a beautiful wife, a luxurious apartment, and a prestigious career. However, beneath the surface, Mark is struggling with a gambling addiction that is threatening to destroy everything he has built.
* Alison: Mark's wife, Alison is oblivious to her husband's addiction. She is beautiful, successful, and seemingly happy, but she is also deeply lonely and isolated.
* John: A psychiatrist who is treating Mark for his gambling addiction, John quickly realizes that Mark's problem is deeper than just a compulsion. Mark's gambling is a manifestation of a deeper psychological crisis.
The novel explores the themes of addiction, betrayal, and the search for meaning in a materialistic world. Mark's gambling addiction becomes a metaphor for the "tilt" that he experiences in his life, a feeling of being out of control and disconnected from reality.
Here is a more detailed summary of the plot:
The novel begins with Mark on the verge of a major financial meltdown due to his gambling debts. He desperately seeks John's help, hoping to regain control of his life before it spirals out of control. As John delves deeper into Mark's psyche, he uncovers a disturbing truth: Mark's gambling is not just a compulsion, but a deliberate attempt to self-destruct.
Mark's addiction is deeply rooted in his childhood, where he experienced a traumatic event that led to a profound sense of alienation and a belief that he is undeserving of happiness. He uses gambling as a way to punish himself, seeking to experience the pain and humiliation he feels he deserves.
Meanwhile, Alison is struggling with her own sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. She feels trapped in a loveless marriage and is yearning for something more. She is initially unaware of Mark's addiction, but her world is gradually shattered as she discovers the truth about his secret life.
As the story unfolds, Mark's addiction spirals out of control, leading to a series of devastating consequences. He loses everything: his money, his job, and his relationship with Alison.
The novel culminates in a climactic confrontation between Mark, Alison, and John. Mark is finally forced to confront the demons of his past and make a decision about his future. He must choose whether to continue self-destructing or to fight for his life and his sanity.
Ultimately, "Tilt" is a story about the human capacity for self-destruction and the possibility of redemption. It explores the complexities of addiction and the search for meaning in a world that often feels meaningless.