1.   Cultural figures come alive more successfully, especially those to whom Vidal can comfortably ascribe intimate banter.

2.   Their intimate banter and frisky jokes together spell out the depth of their devotion, and as a result, the immensity of what they stand to lose.

3.   Their intimate banter and frisky jokes together spell out the depth of their devotion and as a result the immensity of what they stand to lose.

4.   Their intimate banter and joking spell out the depth of their devotion and, as a result, the immensity of what they stand to lose.