In Richard Ford's novel "Canada," the author explores the theme of lost potential and identity through the faces of various characters. He notes that while many of them possess an attractive appearance, their beauty is overshadowed by their experiences and failures. This creates a haunting sense of what they might have achieved had their lives taken a different path.

The faces serve as a canvas for Ford's reflections on human frailty and the complexities of self-realization. Through vivid descriptions, he captures the bittersweet essence of individuals who have come to terms with their choices, revealing a deeper narrative about the struggle between aspirations and reality. These remnants of their former selves evoke an empathy for their journeys.