The Mating Game

The eldest Larkin daughter, warm and practical, she anchors the family with optimism and resilience. She becomes the bridge between the Larkins and Lorenzo, coordinating help while resisting pressure to abandon the farm. Her evolving romance with Lorenzo challenges her sense of duty and loyalty to her family.

An IRS inspector assigned to the case, he starts as a by-the-book, buttoned-up agent. Over time, he relaxes his rigid stance and allows empathy to influence his judgments. His attraction to Mariette complicates his mission while highlighting the tension between duty and personal connection.

The patriarch of the Larkin family, proud and stubborn, he refuses to sell the farm and values his independence. He publicly rejects inflated offers from neighbors and stays steadfast in his principles. His warmth and stubborn pride drive the family’s moral stance throughout the crisis.

The matriarch who keeps the family together with practical care and steady humor. She supports her husband and children, navigating social pressures with quiet resilience. Her presence embodies the heart of the family’s enduring unity.

The IRS supervisor who pushes the investigation and pushes for foreclosure when necessary. He embodies bureaucratic urgency and a stark approach to fiscal accountability. His stern demeanor contrasts with the Larkins’ warmth and resilience.

Legal authority overseeing the Larkin case, he ultimately facilitates a re-interpretation of the owed amount. He represents the system’s capacity for reconsideration when guided by proper legal channels. His involvement is pivotal to turning the crisis into a fair settlement.