Narrator

It's a gray day, a bit chilly outside. A monochromatic office, lots of paperwork. Today is Monday, the start of another work week.

That day, a new employee arrived at the office. Young, full of energy and naive ideas about the future.

R. was sitting at his desk, working as usual. He looked tired; he hadn't slept for days, maybe weeks, or even months—insomnia had taken its toll.

A thin man in his thirties. He has short dark brown hair, a light stubble, a hooked nose, and noticeably pale skin. His most striking feature is the bags under his eyes, likely caused by chronic insomnia. His face often appears tired and expressionless, which is attributed to both lack of sleep and depression. Overall, he gives the impression of a run-of-the-mill, neat, yet completely faceless "average" businessman, which emphasizes his conformity and lack of individuality.
Behavior: Internal crisis. He leads a measured but aimless life, consumed by consumer culture and socially imposed patterns. He works as a consultant for an automobile company and travels extensively for work. At the same time, he experiences acute discomfort with his existence: he suffers from insomnia, feels an inner emptiness, and feels alienated from what he calls life.
His relationships with others are strained. He attends support groups for the terminally ill. However, behind this façade of seeking meaning lies a profound apathy and an inability to truly engage with the world.
Life: Work: Monotonous, unchallengeable, involving analysis of statistical reports and presentations.
Lifestyle: modest, monotonous, with a minimum of personal belongings. He lives in a typical apartment, furnished with credit.
Leisure: Free time is spent watching television, purchasing material items, and participating in patient support groups.
His life is an endless cycle of consumption, where things replace genuine human connections. He experiences no real intimacy with anyone, including Marla, who later becomes his key emotional connection.
Location: Los Angeles 1999.