Preface : After Theophrastus? -- Part I. Who jingled his change. Who jingled his change -- The hoarder -- Who loved her dog -- Who loved combustion engines -- The helper -- Who loved animals more than people -- The hardware store man -- The Chapstick guy -- The would-be polygamist -- The lepidopterist -- Who didn't like to have people watch him eat -- Who talked to his bees -- The worrier -- The wondrous quiet life -- The man who resembled a pig --

Part II. What's candy to an artist? What's candy to an artist? -- Daycare -- The girl and the cherry tree -- Children's play -- The faker -- The boy who couldn't conform -- The checkout clerk -- The boy with the boom box and the old farmer -- Finding her first job after college --

Part III. Sad hour. Sad hour -- The love addicts -- The eulogist -- Who lived in a separate reality -- Three women were in the café -- Good riddance -- The good host -- Who wanted to know one thing well -- The couple that never fought -- Coffee shop chair -- Job titles -- The dieter -- The escapee -- The grin reaper -- Be careful what you wish for -- It could have happened to anyone -- The sandbox -- Keeping one's secret -- The poor rich young man -- Man tying his shoes -- The arts administrator -- The book reviewer -- John Doe.