Eveline

Eveline is also insecure. Her employer, Miss Gavan, plays upon Eveline’s insecurity to humiliate her in front of others: “She had always had an edge on her, especially whenever there were people listening”. Moreover, Eveline’s father takes advantage of her insecurity and orders her around, with no consideration for her feelings: 

He said she used to squander the money, that she had no head, that he wasn't going to give her his hard-earned money to throw about the streets, and much more, for he was usually fairly bad on Saturday night. In the end he would give her the money and ask her had she any intention of buying Sunday's dinner.

This example reinforces the idea that Eveline is the victim of abuse. What is more, Eveline’s insecurity is revealed at the end, when she asks God for guidance, as she does not know what to do: “She felt her cheek pale and cold and, out of a maze of distress, she prayed to God to direct her, to show her what was her duty”. This shows that Eveline has never made a decision on her own and she is afraid to do so now as well. At the same time, it could be argued that going to Buenos Aires is not entirely her own decision either, as the only thing she would be doing is following Frank.

Nevertheless, Eveline fantasizes about moving to Buenos Aires, which she associates with a new life: 

But in her new home, in a distant unknown country, it would not be like that. Then she would be married—she, Eveline. People would treat her with respect then. She would not be treated as her mother had been.

This example highlights Eveline’s desire to be respected, which does not happen in Ireland. At the same time, the example hints that Eveline has unwillingly become her mother’s replacement in the house.

In the end, Eveline chooses to pursue her duty to her family. She abandons Frank without an explanation, and chooses to respect the promise made to her dying mother.