A Scanner Darkly

Characters:

1. Jerry: A scatterbrain character who has begun to see aphids everywhere and thinks they are slowly killing him. Has an addiction of trying to get rid of them. Only cares for himself...and his dog.
   
2. Charles Freck: Sarcastic and free thinking. Helps Jerry "collect aphids" Is a heavy user of substance D. Thinks things through in a very cautious way, always looking out for himself. Is constantly anxious about his supply of D. Hasn't had any brain damage yet from using D.
   
3. Donna: She's the girlfriend of Bob Arctor and a D dealer. She appears pretty normal and doesn't actually use D herself.
   
4. Bob Arctor: Appears to be the protagonist of the story, works as an undercover agent to catch narcotic dealers. Using Donna to get to someone higher up in the drug ring. Is known as Fred when wearing his scatter suit and working as an agent.
   

Setting

The location is a city in California near L.A. Much of the story so far takes place in a poor neighbourhood that is split between the users and the straights. Though no real line is drawn, there is a clear emphasis on how the straights (non users) have their malls and houses full of security to keep the users out. The time frame isn't given specifically, but is supposed to be a few years in the future from whatever the current time frame is presently. The mood makes it feel like everyone is very anxious and cautious of one another, always watching.

Plot

So far, the plot has consisted mainly of character and setting introductions. No major events have yet occurred. Jerry began to try what he could to get rid of the aphids, but nothing worked. Charles Freck met up with Donna and tried to obtain more D for himself but won't get some for a couple days. Bob had to give a speech to a group of straights about his job and how to prevent substance D from spreading. Bob went off topic and was told to report back at his office to talk with some higher ups. He was able to score a large amount of D from Donna to try and move higher up in the drug ring.

Theme

Theme isn't super prevalent yet, but some ideas are given. The fact that the drug use is so high and infects places like the law enforcement could be said to show how people give into their desires (in this case, D) Really though, nothing major has shown itself yet.