Ruth married Frank, a conceited man consumed by hatred and bitterness after learning about his mother's affair with his uncle. When Idgie heard rumors that Frank was abusing Ruth, she threatened to kill him. In the fourth year of her marriage, Ruth sent Idgie a note indicating she was ready to leave Frank. Idgie and Big George then brought a pregnant Ruth back to Whistle Stop and discovered the extent of Frank's cruelty. A few years later, when Frank went missing, the sheriffs questioned everyone at the café, but no one admitted to knowing or seeing him. One sheriff later returned and informed Idgie that her threat against Frank had been overheard. He confessed that no one would care if Frank were dead, but whoever was responsible should cover their tracks.

Evelyn feels "in control" after sticking to her diet for nine days. However, when a boy is rude to her at a supermarket, she feels "old and fat and worthless all over again." In response, she creates an imaginary persona called "Towanda the Avenger," who, in her fantasies, destroys all the mean people in the world. One day, two young girls steal a parking spot Evelyn had been waiting for. When the driver refuses to give up the space, declaring, "I'm younger and faster than you," Evelyn rams her car, saying, "I'm older than you are and have more insurance." Evelyn admits she is always angry except when she is with Ninny "and when she would visit Whistle Stop at night in her mind. Towanda was taking over her life...and she knew she was in sure danger of going over the edge and never coming back." Seeking guidance, she goes to church, where she finds the joy of the churchgoers contagious. As a result, "the heavy burden of resentment and hate released itself," allowing her to forgive everyone, including herself.