To Angel Finn, a dream of the river's past is admittedly exciting. On one specific night, Angel's fears are clearly presented on the river. Angel has found his fear on the river. It is odd, though, that Angel usually goes to the river to escape from his fears. Angel wonders about the meaning of life, but in reality, he knows what it's all about.
Angel never mentions any family.
All we really know about him is that he is a lonely hardware store owner who loves being on the river. A lonely old man finding escape from life and loneliness fishing on the river. While on the river Angel meets and befriends two young boys, Luke and Jeff. To him, they seem to understand how highly the river should be valued. The three men treat the river as if it has a personality and holds some kind of dignified or sacred value to them.