Mary Engle

Mary Engle is the protagonist of the novel. She spent most of her childhood at a nun-run home for girls without parents named St. Catherine’s. Mary’s mother died, and her father was too busy working to take care of her. She was sexually abused as a child by her Uncle Teddy. Her friend, Lillian, tried to help her cope with this abuse. Despite the fact that she was abused, she and Dr. Vogel do not seek justice for a woman at the Village who was sexually abused herself.

This abuse plays a large role in other decisions Mary makes while at the Village. She is confused when she sees Lillian at the Village because she does not remember her having any intellectual difficulties. It is hard for her to see Lillian, however, because the woman reminds her both of the abuse and the death of...