Crimes of the Heart

“Lenny” Magrath is the oldest sister. She is insecure about her fertility, her appearance, her age, and her role in caring for her grandfather. She is resentful of Meg, whom she sees as always having been the favorite, despite all of the mistakes Meg has made. Lenny hides in her caregiving, which gives her an excuse to stay home, or go to the hospital, rather than date men like Charlie, who was good to her for the brief time they were together.  

Chick lives next door and is first cousin to the Magrath sisters. Her role in the play is to judge the sisters and give them one of several common enemies to fight against. She acts as if she is friendly, but she is only family by blood. She is the foil that allows Lenny to finally stand up for herself when, after Chick insults their family one too many times, Lenny chases Chick out of the house with a broom. 

Meg is the middle sister. She has had a promiscuous past and thinks very little of herself, despite telling bold lies about her desirability, her singing career, and her potential to act in movies. Meg found her mother’s body after her suicide, an event that affected her profoundly.