Patricia (Tricia)
Patricia is the narrator and central character in the novel Absolution by Alice McDermott. Patricia is a lovely and compassionate woman because her primary role is to support her husband to excel in his work. Patricia is a close friend of Charlene, and they work jointly to support their husbands and support other women in Vietnam during the war.
Patricia's reconnection with Charlene's daughter after sixty years shows her sharp memory and friendliness. The conversation between Patricia and Charlene's daughter shows Patricia's contribution to the success of most Vietnamese women. In addition, Patricia's reflections show how women in the 1960s were submissive to their husbands without question.
Charlene
Charlene is an experienced corporate woman, and the author describes her as a beauty queen. Charlene is married to a war veteran, and she is blessed with three children. Charlene and Patricia ally to support their husbands' ambitions. In addition, Charlene supports the local Vietnamese women to be empowered. To achieve her goals, Charlene organizes self-help groups to fundraise for the local women to empower them economically.
Lily
Lily is Patricia's house girl, described as talented and seamless. When Patricia miscarries, Lily helps in cleaning her dress and washing away the vomit. In addition, Lily offers Patricia psychosocial support.
Rainey
Rainey is Charlene's daughter. Rainey is talkative and social, attributes that make her friendly without boundaries. Rainey and Patricia are in constant communication. Rainey contracts Patricia for the first time when she encounters a Vietnam War veteran. Later, Patricia and Rainey meet, and their conversation is about the past reflections.
