Willa

Willa represents stagnation in life. She is a woman who allows life to push her whatever direction it wants her to go. She spends years following both Peter and Derek’s desires because she believes that she can only be a dominant, aggressive wife, or a submissive partner. This causes her life to feel boring and empty. It is only when Willa accepts independence and makes her own choices that she is able to break out of the boring life she has created.

Ben

Ben represents Willa’s choice to stay in Baltimore and start a new life. He is an old doctor who runs a clinic in his home while volunteering to help immigrants at his local church. He is a single man who lost his spouse, just like Willa, but is pursuing meaning in his life by helping others. He does not see life...