Judy Hearne
An Irish Catholic in Belfast who lives as an unmarried spinster and a womanly arts tutor (embroidery and piano, mostly). Her hopelessness leads her to indulge delusions instead of tolerating the truth, and she develops an unbridled addiction to binge drinking whiskey.
James Madden
Judy's would-be "Prince Charming," who really is a dreamer and a fraud. He doesn't have any money and he's only indulging the old spinstress for her money—which she doesn't have.
Mrs. Rice
A boarding landlady who coddles her son at the expense of her guests. A nasty woman with nasty company.
Bernie
An unsavory poet whose lavish, indulgent lifestyle keeps him locked in his Oedipal relationship to his mother, instead of becoming an independent adult.
Father Quigley
A judgmental minister who often mistreats his clergy and holds them morally responsible for their suffering.
