Ellen O'Farrell

Ellen O'Farrell is the main character in the story. She is a hypnotist who practices in her home on the beach near Sydney, Australia. Ellen is in her mid-thirties and has never married. She has had a few important relationships, and she still has unresolved feelings toward those. Ellen has always been proud of herself for her professionalism and control over her emotions. However, when she meets Patrick, she falls hard for him and cannot believe her good luck. Because of her past relationships, Ellen wonders if Patrick will abandon her, too. She proceeds tentatively at first. Ellen's fears are compounded as her relationship with Patrick grows and she learns more about his deceased wife, Colleen. Ellen knows that Patrick was fiercely in love with Colleen and she does not know if she'll ever measure up.

Ellen conducts her professional life without hesitation. At first, she is...