How are the central characters depicted?

Compare the past and present state of

the Chan family and note what has changed and what has caused the change.
Observe the strategic use of tense to signal change and frame this story.

The central characters are depicted as belonging to a singular family unit.
Though this depiction is as far from their reality as could be. All the members of
Chans family are aloof and withdrawn, lacking the warmth of what a normal
family should have. Chan and his wife do not sleep in the same bed, Thomas
never felt the need to remain home to spend time together, communication
between all parties has been kept to a minimum and it seems that even with the
branding as a family, Chan, his wife and Thomas seem to be barely understand
each other; never even bothered to find out each persons likes and dislikes. The
reason for this development could be drawn from the very onset of Chans
marriage with his wife, which was borne out of necessity and not of love. The
quote, Even his creation appeared mechanical and necessary, guided by his
parents and social norms, emphasizes the apathetic nature of Thomass
birthing. Sexual reproduction is often related to feelings of passion, connection
and love. Whereas the quote, Chan had thought that their charade of a marriage
would breed a monster, lays it all out on the table that their marriage is fake
and loveless. The use of the words mechanical, charade and necessary
plainly highlights to the readers that this is going to be a dysfunctional family
that we are dealing with.
With the onset of time, the state of Chans family from past to present did
not seem to have reached a stark contrast of polar opposites, but rather a
progression from bad to worse. Credit should be given to them for the first
fourteen years of trying to be a normal family. However, the lack of emotional
connection between Chan and his wife from the start just puts them in a
situation where the tension is more palpable than two strangers standing side by
side. Gradually, as the son approaches adulthood and starts to comprehend the
tainted essence of his parents relationship, he also stops trying. This marks a
turning point in all of their lives, as the parents will no longer feel the need to
fake a harmonious family setting for the sake of Thomas. Thomas himself
withdrew from his parents both emotionally and as the time came, physically.
When Thomas moved out, Chan and his wife then embraced the loneliness a
single life has to offer. Despite being husband and wife, they lived as housemates.
Thomas barely showed any concern for his parents, who were fine with that as
long as they didnt have to pretend they cared when in truth they didnt.