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The reader has a distinct, quirky personality. He is a wealthy man who loves literature and delays gratification by waiting to open a book until he’s finished his work for the day. He smokes and enjoys the view of the park from his favorite green velvet chair, all of which contribute to his ability to become absorbed in a good story. On one hand, these personality traits make him unique, but at the same time they also make him like every other reader. In this way, Cortázar’s reader is a stand-in for all readers and everyone who has the ability to get lost in books. Although the reader is highly individualistic, his personality quirks represent the quirks of all avid readers, many of whom favor certain locations, times of day, and types of books to read. Cortázar therefore uses the reader, who is simultaneously unique and generic, to convey the universality of the pleasure of reading.

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