The Accidental Tourist

Macon is a man driven by habit, systems, and routine. At 42, he’s spent his entire life passively allowing things to happen to him. Macon is so averse to change, discomfort, and inconvenience that he has built a career around writing books that help others avoid these things when traveling for work. Macon describes himself as “orderly” and “happiest with a regular scheme of things” (201).

Macon is very socially averse. He rejects opportunities to spend time with neighbors and acquaintances. Everyone Macon pays attention to is either family or has pressured their way into Macon’s life, as seen with Muriel and Julian. Sarah describes him as muffled, “like something in a capsule” (136). Macon’s demeanor translates into his career. He’s explored every minute detail and thought of every minor inconvenience to the traveling businessperson in many cities he’s visited around North America and Europe. Macon provides detailed information and advice about restaurants, hotels, planes, and luggage to minimize discomfort for the habitual traveler. When Macon meets a traveler who reads his guide, the traveler describes it “like going in a capsule, a cocoon” (242), reprising the same imagery Sarah uses to describe Macon.

Macon’s development throughout the novel centers around his residual trauma from losing Ethan, his separation from Sarah, and the way he comes to understand himself when forced out of his comfort zone.