Short Fiction · Character

George Gusterson

A stubborn writer of insanity thrillers who refuses to touch the mech reminder Fay built for him, convinced machines have minds and nasty ideas of their own.

supporting

Also known as George, Mr. Gusterson, Gusterson

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, George Gusterson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as being 'conked' by the group because he wanted to hand the men over to Vera-Ellen's father.

In the storyFriends and EnemiesOpen this moment free

Gusterson is a novelist up to his ears in a book, dodging Fay's tickler and lecturing him that forgetting is a danger signal, not a job for a gadget. He insists he isn't afraid of machines sprouting minds — he thinks they already have minds, because they have the mind elements, a dualism he defends with gleeful stubbornness. His refusal to engage the tickler sets up the story's central unease about inner-directed thinking versus the seductions of the outer-directed world.

See George Gusterson in Friends and Enemies Book page

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Character Web

3 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Prominent female and intellectual figures
Protagonist
Core character ensemble

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

George Gusterson appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Friends and Enemies
Mentioned as being 'conked' by the group because he wanted to hand the men over to Vera-Ellen's father.
The Creature from Cleveland Depths
Appears as a central figure in the narrative.
I
Hosts Fay and engages in sardonic banter about inventions and society.
Chapter II
George is writing an insanity novel and expresses deep suspicion of the tickler device, arguing that machines and bugs may be conscious.
III
Gusterson is writing an insanity novel and reacts with alarm to Fay's tickler and the micro-resonator, calling the tickler 'crazy' and expressing distrust.
V
Gusterson explores the underground, confronts Fay about the Tickler, and continues writing his novel.
Chapter VII
Interrogated by Fay/Pooh-Bah; admits ticklers had no inherent purpose; attempts to attack Pooh-Bah but is disarmed; begins formulating a plan to save the world.
VIII
Protagonist who spreads the message that ticklers should be free from human bodies, later reflects on their departure.

Chapter companion notes

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See George Gusterson in I

See George Gusterson in Friends and Enemies