Betty Hawthorne

Betty Hawthorne is Jack's mother. She grieves for her son in secret; the outward manifestation of this grief is a significant weight gain. Betty struggles to keep her family together through a very difficult time. Fortunately she is comforted by her supportive friends and is able to find the strength she needs to keep going. Betty is the one who introduces the children to music, and her insistence on French horn lessons makes possible Jack's eventual recovery.

Dale Hawthorne

Dale Hawthorne is Jack's father. The death of his younger son nearly destroys him, and he struggles to deal with the tragedy. He leaves his family, has several love affairs, and generally shirks his responsibility. However, he comes home at last, asking for forgiveness and searching for his own redemption.

Jack Hawthorne

Only twelve years old, Jack accidentally kills his brother by rolling him over with a cultipacker...