The story follows the unnamed protagonist and his irrational hatred of John Claverhouse, a man with a 'moon-face'. The protagonist clearly states that his hatred of him is irrational, saying: 'Why do we not like him? Ah, we do not know why; we know only that we do not. We have taken a dislike, that is all. And so I with John Claverhouse.' The protagonist becomes obsessed with Claverhouse, hating his face, his laugh, his entire life. The protagonist observes that Claverhouse engages in illegal f