Characters

The main character in the story “The Path to Heaven” by Mary O'Donnell is Lauren, who is a middle-aged Irish writer. The events are seen through her eyes. 

The other characters are Kalina, a young Polish immigrant who is employed as a housekeeper in Lauren’s household, Kalina’s partner, Adam, and Lauren’s husband, who remains unnamed.

The focus of the story is on the relationship between the two women as Lauren tries to help Kalina escape from her abusive relationship with Adam. The relationship between Lauren and her husband is also explored, as the two have conflicting opinions about what happens between Adam and Kalina and whether or not they should interfere.

You can read a full characterization of Lauren, as well as a detailed analysis of the relationship between Lauren and Kalina, in the following pages.