Foil

Character Role Analysis

Alma and Lureen

Jack and Ennis have different marriages with different women. Alma's number one priority is her husband and her family. Lureen's number one priority is her family's tractor business. That doesn't mean that Lureen doesn't love Jack. She does. But she puts her career ahead of her marriage, which allows Jack to get away with a lot under her nose.

Alma, though, keeps a closer eye on Ennis. Not because she's suspicious (at first) but because she wants to be a part of his life at all times. While Alma wants to meet Ennis's friends, Lureen would rather balance the company checkbook.

Lureen and Jack have a more successful marriage because neither one wants to spend all of their time with the other, and they get exactly what they give in the marriage. Alma wants more than Ennis can ever give her. That's something she and Jack have in common.