Dorrance Marstellar's Mysterious Role

The enigmatic old man who seems to know more than he lets on, guiding Ralph and Lois from the shadows.

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The First Encounter

A Strange Observer The Old Man with the Book During Ed Deepneau's road rage incident, Dorrance Marstellar appears at the picnic area. He tells Ralph not to touch Ed because he can't see Ralph's hands. Ralph dismisses him as a harmless old fool, but Dorrance's words are prophetic. The Poetry Lover Dorrance is always carrying a book of poetry. He quotes Stephen Dobyns and Robert Creeley. He seems to live in a world of his own, but his observations are often eerily accurate. A Messenger Dorrance tells Ralph that he doesn't "mess in with long-time business" but occasionally carries messages. He is a conduit for forces beyond human understanding.

The Gift of the Spray Can

A Prophetic Act The Bodyguard Spray Dorrance sneaks into Ralph's apartment and places the can of Bodyguard spray in his jacket pocket. He also leaves a note with a line from a Stephen Dobyns poem. Later that day, Ralph uses the spray to defend himself against Charlie Pickering. The Warning Dorrance tells Ralph to cancel his appointment with the acupuncturist, saying "the pin-sticker man" is dangerous. Ralph ignores the warning, but later realizes that Dorrance was trying to protect him from something. A Mysterious Figure Dorrance's aura is unlike any other – it is a rainbow of colors, suggesting that he is not a normal Short-Timer. He may be an agent of a higher power, or perhaps something even stranger.

The Final Guidance

The Last Message At the Picnic Area After the High Ridge attack, Ralph and Lois find Dorrance at the picnic area near the airport. He tells them they must go to the Civic Center, despite Clotho and Lachesis's warnings. He says the Purpose has its own plans. The Green Man Dorrance hints at the existence of a "green man" who will help them. Later, Lois encounters a green man who gives her back her earrings. Dorrance seems to know more than he reveals. A Parting Dorrance says he is going home to read Walt Whitman. He tells Ralph and Lois that they have done a great thing. Then he walks away, leaving them to face the final confrontation alone.

July 1992, during Ed's road rage incident

Sunday, October 3, 1993

Friday morning, October 8, 1993