Becca

In David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole, Becca is portrayed as a complex protagonist struggling with profound grief. In her late thirties or early forties, Becca is a mother mourning the tragic loss of her son, Danny. She is characterized by her tough and uncompromising nature, often appearing distant and difficult to engage with. Her grief isolates her, and she becomes judgmental of her sister, Izzy, and rude to her mother, Nat. Despite her harsh exterior, Becca possesses a sense of humor that helps to soften her otherwise hard edges. This humor, although sometimes biting, allows her to see the irony and absurdity in her life’s surreal circumstances. At her core, Becca is deeply concerned for her family. While she may nitpick at Izzy, this reveals her genuine interest in her sister's happiness and well-being. Similarly, she sympathizes with her mother, who has also experienced the loss of a child, albeit under different circumstances. Becca recognizes the distinct nature of her husband Howie’s grief, acknowledging its depth and complexity, even as she remains stuck, unable to move forward while the world continues around her. Her relentless drive for sincerity and practicality makes it difficult for her to tolerate insincerity in others.

Howie

Howie, Becca’s husband, is a man of patience and pretense, often appearing as if everything is alright. Howie’s character is challenging because his behaviors are largely defined by his efforts to support Becca’s needs. As a devoted husband, he constantly monitors Becca, making sacrifices such as giving up his dog and accommodating her desires for the house. Yet, his own grief remains a hidden, almost shameful, part of his life. This is illustrated poignantly when he watches Danny’s videotape alone, a secret indulgence in his anguish. By compartmentalizing his emotions, Howie inadvertently creates distance between himself and Becca. This emotional divide is further exacerbated by his flirtation with a member of his grief-counseling group, a symptom of his attempt to escape the heavy burden of his sorrow. Where Becca is consumed by her grief, Howie buries his, maintaining a facade that ultimately undermines their relationship.

Izzy

Izzy, the younger sister of Becca, is in her late twenties or early thirties and epitomizes the family’s black sheep. She is a perennial party girl, rebellious and struggling to find her place. At the play’s outset, Izzy recounts a bar fight, setting the stage for her untamed spirit. Her unfiltered honesty and unchecked emotions present a stark contrast to Becca’s more controlled demeanor, positioning Izzy as the id to Becca’s ego. While Izzy may seem irresponsible, she is emotionally in tune with herself in ways that those around her are not. This is especially evident when she directly and unapologetically confronts Howie, showcasing her ability to express emotions that Becca struggles to articulate. Izzy’s journey throughout the play reflects her attempts to mature and grow in the shadow of her sister’s grief-stricken life.

Nat

Nat, the mother of Becca and Izzy, serves as an intermediary character, blending traits of both her daughters. She shares Becca’s propensity to alienate others but also possesses Izzy’s tendency to make ill-timed remarks and questionable choices. There are hints that Nat struggles with alcohol, a detail left unexplained but possibly linked to the trauma of her son’s addiction and suicide. Despite these flaws, Nat’s maternal instincts shine through. She endeavors to support Becca, offering empathy as Becca navigates her paralyzing loss. Her presence in Danny’s room with Becca reveals a deep understanding of her daughter’s inability to move on. Similarly, Nat’s intervention during Becca’s breakdown in the grocery store exemplifies her nurturing side. A sense of...