I
Jane's father; supports Jane's decision to go to the concert.
I
Jane's mother; disapproves of the outing but reluctantly allows it.
III
Intervenes gently but firmly, forbidding the engagement and supporting the no-contact rule.
I
Accompanies Jane to Bryn Mawr, expresses pride and hope for her future, and enjoys the campus atmosphere.
IV
Mr. Ward is emotional about Isabel's wedding and supports Jane's return to college.
IV
Mrs. Ward initially opposes Jane's return to Bryn Mawr but relents after learning about Flora and Muriel.
I
Jane's mother is concerned about Jane's wardrobe and the baby's warmth, and disapproves of the rumored relationship between Muriel and Bert.
II
The family patriarch, whose illness and death are foreshadowed.
II
Brings a crepe veil for Flora and attempts to offer comfort, but is rebuffed by Mr. Furness.
Chapter II
Pleads with Jane to consider Stephen Carver as a suitable husband.
III
Returns home with newspapers, greets Agnes warmly, discusses Cuba and the President's message, and advises Jane not to get too attached to anyone.
IV
Mr. Ward is mentioned as Jane's father, whose chair she sits in during the post-skating snack.
I
Announces that the Maine explosion means war, argues with Mrs. Ward about Spanish civilization and Robin's duty, and dismisses immediate enlistment.
I
Hopes war can be avoided, worries about Isabel's health if Robin enlists, and suggests bachelors should go first.
II
Mr. Ward discusses the war with the men, asserting that Roosevelt is right and that the outcome is only a matter of days.
IV
Jane's father, who escorts her down the aisle and speaks of the naval war.
II
Father figure, present in domestic scenes and family discussions.
I
Mrs. Ward, the mother, represents the older generation's strict moral views on marriage and infidelity.
III
Mr. Ward watches Jane intently after she returns from the walk.
Mrs. Lester's Seventy-Fifth Birthday
Attends the party, talks with Jane about her activities and Jimmy Trent.
II
Advises Jane to avoid all appearance of evil, showing concern for her reputation.
IV
Sits with Jane in the library, discusses his parenting techniques, and admits he has retired from family decision-making, now a spectator.
IV
Bustles in with Isabel, insists on controlling the grandchildren, and recalls her own parenting of Jane and Isabel.
II
Mr. Ward is bedridden with double pneumonia, resting under the care of a nurse.
II
Mrs. Ward is exhausted and emotional, having stayed up all night with her husband.
Chapter III
Lies dying, his face and breathing showing the exhaustion of approaching death; dies during the chapter.
Chapter III
Sits on the sofa, grief-stricken and exhausted, watching her husband die.
IV
Recently deceased; Jane wishes he could have seen his great-grandson.
VI
Sits wrapped in a shawl, offers tart comments, and is increasingly ignored in family discussions.
III
Hosts the family dinner, anxious about details, wears a new black silk dress.
