** spoiler alert ** 
 Henry Beard, nobel prize winning physicist, living on his reputation and past accomplishments. 
 He is a consumate consumer and womaniser - 5 wives and multiple mistresses per marriage - but no kids, though only appears to love himself - and prides himself on it - comic character. This is in marked contrast to his developing eco-awareness, but that may be more a result of his next big idea - artificial photosynthesis - how he can save the world 
 Much of the core of this work is stolen from his student / colleague Tom - with whom his fifth wife has been having an affair, Tarpin. Tom's accidental death and Henry's framing of his fifth wife's previous lover. 
 There is an Artic intermission where he meets with some artistic eco types - seemingly just to illustrate how even the most engaged individuals cannot manage a limited resource environment without external rules (the boot room) 
 and the Uniwitting Thief story that is used to attack a straw man literary critic who cannot accept an eixsting story meme could actually have occurred to henry. 
 His self-centeredness is further demonstrated when current partner Melissa, who has been trying for a child for some time becomes pregnant - he is sure he can persuade her to terminate 
 Eventually makes it way to new Mexico where the fruits of his solar project are ready for the public - cue the showdown with his former Centre employer (who is aware most of the work is stolen from Centre colleague), a recently released Tarpin, and his current british partner Melissa and daughter Catriona with his New Mexico fling Darlene, and a dangerous melanoma 
 closes with Henry in restaurant as Darlene, Melissa and Catriona approach - as daughter runs to him does he feel first pangs of love in his heart or a heart attack.