Malcolm Long is the state forensic psychiatrist assigned to Rorschach's case upon his incarceration. He enters with excitement at the possibilities for career advancement and even fame if he can make real headway analyzing this world-famous costumed vigilante. However, as the chapter's epigram forebodes: "If you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."

Malcolm's wife Diana winds up leaving him in horror and despair at the effects working with Rorschach has on him.

• Malcolm is quite unsettled to learn that he shops at the same news stand as Rorschach did.