The character of Lou from A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, is one of the most complex of its vast abundance of characters. On a first impression, he is cocky, immature, and completely irresponsible. He can even come across as creepy based on the fact that he was a middle aged man picking up a seventeen-year-old girl from the side of the road. However, the full character of Lou encompasses a surplus of other qualities, the most prominent of which is utter confusion. He doesn't know what it means to be a good boss, friend, husband, or even father. He doesn't relate to people on any level deeper than appearances and money. He is confused as to why his son is different from him. He is confused about how to raise his daughter, or even hold a conversation with her. But most importantly, he is confused on who he is as a person. He knows he likes girls, money, and music, but that's about it. He likes partying too, but as his age increases and his days left on earth decrease, he doesn't know what to do. He knows he is getting old, but he doesn't know how to deal with it. He doesn't understand that he needs to change, mature, and become the adult and parent that his children desperately need. Lou is confused. He does not understand the meaning of life and getting older, and this confusion leads to dire consequences, and to him eventually having to pay the ultimate price.