one of the novels most colourful characters is alex, whom reef dislikes on sight. what common experience in their backgrounds enables them to become friends?

Like Reef, Alex has had a troubled past full of betrayal and isolation. I think Alex is someone that he can share his pain with: a person who isn't afraid of emotion. Alex in many ways has the emotional courage to expose his vulnerabilities. I think Reef desperately needs to do this himself and finds Alex a person he can be vulnerable with.