Anonymity and Ambiguity

I believe this namelessness of the characters might underscore the sense of alienation and disconnection, essential aspects of existentialist literature. By not naming these characters, Welch emphasizes their struggle with identity in an indifferent and unanchored world.
The lack of names can also universalize their experiences, allowing readers to project themselves onto the characters and relate to their existential crises more broadly. It reflects their internal search for identity and meaning.
While unnamed characters can be a standard narrative device, they enhance the novel’s exploration of cultural dislocation, personal loss, and the quest for meaning in this context. I think Welch’s choice deepens the reader’s engagement with the characters’ existential struggles.