Larry Decker's Downfall

The Goldfinch

The tragic arc of Larry Decker, from failed actor to alcoholic gambler.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Abandoning Family Abandoning Family from "The Goldfinch". The Disappearance Leaving Larry leaves his wife and son without warning. He stops paying child support. New Life He moves to Las Vegas with Xandra.

Abandoning Family from "The Goldfinch". The Disappearance Leaving Larry leaves his wife and son without warning. He stops paying child support. New Life He moves to Las Vegas with Xandra.

The Disappearance Leaving Larry leaves his wife and son without warning. He stops paying child support. New Life He moves to Las Vegas with Xandra. He starts gambling and using drugs. Resentment He blames Audrey for his failures. He never takes responsibility.

Return and Reunion Return and Reunion from "The Goldfinch". A Brief Second Chance Showing Up Larry returns to New York to claim Theo. He seems changed, but it's an act. Las Vegas Life He takes Theo to Las Vegas.

Return and Reunion from "The Goldfinch". A Brief Second Chance Showing Up Larry returns to New York to claim Theo. He seems changed, but it's an act. Las Vegas Life He takes Theo to Las Vegas.

A Brief Second Chance Showing Up Larry returns to New York to claim Theo. He seems changed, but it's an act. Las Vegas Life He takes Theo to Las Vegas. He tries to be a father but is too self-absorbed. Debt and Danger He owes money to loan sharks. He tries to use Theo's inheritance to pay them.

Death on the Highway Death on the Highway from "The Goldfinch". The End Drunk Driving Larry crashes his car while drunk. He dies instantly. Theo's Reaction Theo feels numb. He doesn't cry.

Death on the Highway from "The Goldfinch". The End Drunk Driving Larry crashes his car while drunk. He dies instantly. Theo's Reaction Theo feels numb. He doesn't cry.

The End Drunk Driving Larry crashes his car while drunk. He dies instantly. Theo's Reaction Theo feels numb. He doesn't cry. He realizes he never really knew his father. Legacy Larry leaves behind debts and a broken family. Theo inherits nothing but pain.

Before the story begins

After Audrey's death

November