Of course someone can be in character when absent. Especially if absence fits with their character. Like James Gatsby, or Godot. Or Al's mom in Home Improvement. Though I can't take credit for the bar fight; that goes to Mr. Stackpole.

The last lines are painful. When I thought of it I couldn't help but say, "Oh, sad," but at the same time, I can't think of a more fitting conclusion.

I hear you on the Aristotle--I had to read Plato's Republic in three days and just really, really wanted to take a nap every five pages. But that was more because it was making my brain hurt.