die, like Efram Nugent (shot); or become similarly absorbed by Archbuilder culture. The latter are transformed into semi-nomads who dwell in the ruins of their former houses, as apparent entropy consumes their abortive colony - like Pella, David, Morris, Raymond and Doug. As for the Archbuilders, Truth Renowned dies in the fire that destroys Hugh Merrow's abandoned house and art studio, and Hiding Kneel is injured after Efram imprisons it in a shed. However, their community survives as a cohesive group, belying human perceptions of their alleged weakness and 'decay' of their civilisation and culture. Characters Human Colonists Pella Marsh: Thirteen. Central protagonist. Clement Marsh: Father. Thirty three. Former politician, failed to prevent Earth's ecological deterioration. Raymond Marsh: Ten. Pella's younger brother. David Marsh: Eight. Youngest member of Marsh family. Caitlin Marsh. Mother. Dies from brain tumor before she can travel to the Planet of the Archbuilders with her family. Joe Kincaid. Teacher. Ellen Kincaid. Baker. Bruce Kincaid. Thirteen. Martha Kincaid. Eight. Teases David mercilessly. Snider Grant: Alcoholic. Laney Grant: Alcoholic. Doug Grant: Fifteen. Itinerant. Morris Grant: Eight. Bullies David and Martha. Llana Richmond: Lesbian. Partner of Julie Concorse. Julie Concorse: Lesbian. Partner of Llana Richmond. Melissa Richmond-Concorse. One. Infant daughter of above. Efram Nugent: Misanthropic settlement leader. Ben Barth: Labourer and associate of Nugent. Diana Eastling: Biologist. E.G.Wa: Shopkeeper. Hugh Merrow: Artist. Archbuilders Hiding Kneel Truth Renowned Lonely Dumptruck Gelatinous Stand Coral Dope Unimportant Lust Grinning Contrivance Notable Beast Specious Axiomatic Somber Fluid References 1998 science fiction novels Novels by Jonathan Lethem 1998 American novels Science fiction Westerns