Tina

• Even though she has a minor role in the novel, Tina is a character that de Waal uses to explore ideas about duty and responsibility.

  • Tina is Carol’s neighbour. She is not a close friend, but she does visit Carol in hospital and Leon is told to call her "Auntie Tina".
  • We learn that Tina has taken care of Leon repeatedly in the past when Carol was finding things difficult.
  • Tina alerts the ambulance and social services when she finds Carol in danger, and feels a duty to also look after Leon and Jake that night.