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Short Fiction · Character

Al Cable

Aboard a ship waiting for an unseen enemy, Cable plays gin rummy for millions and bristles at the idea of sitting still while something out there watches.

major

Also known as Fred, Cable

First appearance: final examination

As a major figure in Short Fiction, Al Cable is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Carver's bodyguard, referred to as Fred; he is transformed into a Lorayan after drinking the sersee serum.
In the storyThe Sweeper of LorayOpen this moment free

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Cable is one of three men on a vessel parked in space, monitoring a dial that will signal the approach of a mind-grabbing alien presence. He banters about bridge partners and three-million-dollar card debts, but his…

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See Al Cable in final examination

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Al Cable sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

PCProfessor CarverDEDegDDDan DrakeWSWilliam SorensenEEEdward EakinsACAl Cable

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Key narrative figures

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Morrison reaches the psychological breaking point of his twenty-first day…

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In the story

Al Cable appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Al Cable unlock in the free preview.

See Al Cable in final examination
Who is Al Cable in Short Fiction?