Richard is the protagonist of Every Note Played. A gifted classical concert pianist, Richard is forced to give up his career after he is diagnosed with ALS. Although Richard’s playing is widely admired for technical polish and emotional expression, Richard struggles to effectively communicate in other ways, especially with Karina, his ex-wife. As Karina sees it, “Richard was always a bit of a narcissist, a fragile egomaniac, a selfish prick” (43). Following his upbringing in rural New Hampshire, where his father showed no interest in supporting Richard’s classical music aspirations, Richard attended the Curtis Institute of Music, where his playing demonstrated technical expertise but lacked emotional weight; at the time, Richard felt insecure and competitive with others, including his future wife, Karina. As Richard’s studies continued, his playing did take on additional richness, but Richard’s character remained relatively self-centered. Following his marriage to Karina, his career took priority over everything else, including his family, and he had multiple affairs while traveling.

Richard’s arc throughout the novel traces his emotional maturation as he comes to terms with the effects of ALS. As the novel opens, Richard is at the height of his career as a concert pianist. Once the reality of his diagnosis sets in, Richard alternates between panic and denial.