It Happens Every Thursday

A former Air Force pilot who moves his family to Eden to revive their fortunes through a local newspaper. His bold, action-oriented approach drives much of the plot as he conceives plans to influence the town, including an audacious rain-inducing scheme. He is resilient and persistent, willing to take risks to save his new venture and home. His choices set the town on a collision course with suspicion and hope alike.

Intelligent and proactive, Jane helps run the Eden Archive and launches the baby-photo competition to boost subscriptions. She confronts flirtatious advances from Myron Trout and uses her social connections to rally support for the newspaper. She is resourceful, courageous, and plays a crucial role in steering the town through crisis and misunderstanding. Her partnership with Bob anchors the family’s efforts to settle in Eden.

The MacAvoys’ son, a reminder of the family’s stake in Eden and its future. His presence underscores the stakes of the couple’s decisions and the community they are trying to build. He is a minor character, but his inclusion highlights family values and the human element in the town’s upheaval.

Owner of a clothing store and the principal antagonist, Trout resents Jane’s rejection and attempts to influence town governance to remove the MacAvoys. He embodies the scheming competitor who leverages personal grievances into political pressure. His presence heightens tension as the town teeters between support and hostility.

An elderly woman who runs a mansion that the town discovers doubles as a prostitution house, fueling gossip and moral panic. The tension around her residence fuels the town’s distrust of outsiders and new ventures. She represents the scapegoat-like figure around whom community fears coalesce.

The town’s mayor who plays a pivotal role in mediating conflict and guiding responses to the MacAvoys’ schemes. He embodies local politics, balancing civic interest with popular sentiment. His decisions catalyze the town’s initial pushback and eventual reconsideration.

A resident of Eden who interacts with the MacAvoys and participates in the town’s social fabric. Her role highlights the everyday perspectives of townspeople who react to the fluctuating fortunes of the Eden Archive. She adds texture to the community’s micro-dynamics during the crisis.