Dominique is an ex-Israeli or Arab described by four characters who know him briefly in Paris. Being pursued by people who attempt to kidnap him, he has to rely on these new acquaintances for help. The first person to describe him is Ron, a Vietnamese American with a preoccupation with world justice. Convinced that Israel and the USA must defer to world judgment, he is nevertheless an instant admirer of Dominique and pleased to assist him, all the while considering his betrayal. Maria is a nineteen-year-old au pair from Portugal who falls in love with Dominique and is drawn to the idea of adventure and abandon. Hansel works for the European Space Agency and helps determine Ariane payloads. He, like everyone, is won over by the charisma of Dominique and wants to impress him in moment-to-moment interaction. Gertrude, the fourth character, escapes Paris with Dominique and undertakes his reform. Asking herself what circumstances might render him tractable, she settles on the notion of physical reduction.