Main Idea of Book

I'm reading a great story about friendship and unsolved problems. In the story, the two main characters, by chance, become best friends. They eat dinners together, talk about current events, and make attempts at helping each other with minor and significant personal problems. However, a tragedy takes place where one of the main characters dies. After the death, the narrator and best friend comes upon an unsolved mystery/problem in which his friend was involved and never able to solve. As a result, the narrator begins to research and talk to family members in an attempt to solve the problem and clear his best friend's good name. With non-stop action and an endearing display of friendship, the narrator takes the reader on an interesting and captivating story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QlyMNMLlfI&feature=related

Character Description

I'm reading The Human Stain, by Phillip Roth, and the main characters are amazing. One character is a 71 year-old college professor who has recently lost his wife and job. He is an active man with who spends his days trying to prove his innocence, talking to his best friend, and dating a 34 year-old woman. The other character is in his late 60s and has decided to live a quiet life in the maintains, away from the big city. The two characters get along well and spend hours talking about issues that are currently affecting their lives.