The Story of Arthur Truluv

Arthur Moses is the protagonist and one of the central characters in The Story of Arthur Truluv. Arthur is characterized by his loyalty, loving nature, and keen understanding of the complexities of life. A retired groundskeeper, he copes with the loss of his wife by his constant devotion to her, even in death; this repeated action serves as a thread running throughout the novel that anchors Arthur’s experience. It is a simple act with a profound impact: It keeps Arthur connected to the love he lost. Each day, he visits Nola at lunch. This steady habit is what brings Maddy into his life, and their shared experience at the cemetery is what solidifies their close bond.

Much of Arthur’s time is spent considering The Experiences and Emotions of Aging and learning to find a new normal after Nola’s death, which exemplifies how he is Coping with Grief and Finding New Beginnings. While she is no longer with him, Nola’s presence is a constant companion for Arthur, and their relationship is what gives Maddy the inspiration to name him Truluv, with Maddy exclaiming, “God, you really loved her” (55). Nola is the center around which the rest of Arthur’s life operates; his habit of imagining the lives of the dead comes out of a desire to get to know Nola’s “neighbors” and continue communing with her.