The main character's father

In chapter three we are introduced to a man named Nicholas, who happens to be the main character, Hooker,'s father. We find out that he is not married to Hooker's mother during the setting of the book. This is the first clue we have gotten as to what makes the family dysfunctional, and in turn make Hooker go insane. We know he does in the end. As I have said before, the ending was spoiled for me by an evil lady's misleading book, and its title. All is forgiven, though, as the ending gives me some insight into what to look for in the main character's behavior.