John Chapman
Fictional character · In Palace of Tears
Jon is a rock guitarist associated with Alien Hand Syndrome and Rusty Blades. He is flamboyant, sexually frank and strategically casual. He lends Steve the VW camper van, later reclaims it, and gives Steve advice about “new Steve.”
Jon’s advice is often crude but sometimes practically useful. He encourages Steve to think in terms of agency and consequences, although his “love ’em and leave ’em” philosophy is not a reliable ethical framework. He and Tamsin provide Steve with temporary refuge after Grace expels him.
Tamsin is Jon’s partner, described as a psychic and an excellent cook. She is not given much independent dialogue, but her reluctance to host Steve softens when he offers substantial rent. Her presence makes clear that refuge with Jon is not solely Jon’s decision.