Foil

Character Role Analysis

Mary and Thomas Rommely, Katie and Johnny

Mary and Thomas Rommely

Mary, Francie’s grandmother and Katie’s mother, is characterized by being very good and almost saintly. She is a very tolerant and religious woman who understands when people make the wrong choices; she is there to help her family.

This is in stark contrast to her husband, Thomas Rommely who is nothing but evil. He is full of hatred and bigotry, and is not a part of the Nolans's lives. This sharp contrast between him and his wife makes Mary seem even more kind.

Katie and Johnny

Mama and Papa love each other; that much is true. Their love may not be as passionate as it was in the beginning, but it is still there. Also, they both agree that it is very important to get their children educated. This is where the similarities end though.

On one hand, Mama is a tough, hard-working fighter who won’t accept that she is doomed in her life. Papa, for his part, has completely given up. He accepts that he isn’t going anywhere in life and is content to continue working very little and drinking a whole lot.

When compared, Mama seems even more capable and hardworking, while Papa seems like an even weaker man.