Willa

Willa is the main character and the person the narrator follows throughout the entire novel. Her story is told in four distinct parts. Willa is a submissive woman who lets life happen to her rather than going out on her own. Before her trip to Baltimore, Willa follows what her husbands expect and only learns independence when she spends time away from Peter. Willa is also a loving person who cares for everyone she meets. This also means she is hurt more when people, like her mother, Elaine, or Sean, break those relationships. Her passion for people and languages pushes her to teach English to non-native speakers, buts he is often forced to stand on this career for her husband's desires.

Willa bonds most closely with Cheryl, Denise, and Peter. Cheryl sees as a granddaughter and admires her confidence and maturity. With Denise, Willa treats her like a...