Evidence of the Affair

Carrie Allsop is the 30-year-old protagonist of Evidence of the Affair. She describes herself to David as “5’9” with long brown hair and brown eyes and wire-rimmed glasses” (34). This plain, understated assessment of her appearance echoes her direct and modest character. Carrie’s epistolary voice also provides insights into her personality. In her first letter to David—in which she reveals that his wife, Janet, is having an affair with her husband, Ken—she writes, “I also want to apologize for telling you this if, in fact, you do not wish to know it. This feels like an impossible situation. I have made the best decision I know how” (6). Carrie’s care and thoughtfulness in breaking the unwelcome news shows intelligence, delicacy, and consideration of the impact of her words. Her compassion and generosity are illustrated as she offers David empathy and understanding without self-pity. Carrie’s letter is also free of expressions of anger toward their spouses or desire for revenge. Her first instinct is to make sense of the situation and her place in it rather than judge or blame.

Carrie is a dynamic character whose arc is reflected in her evolving epistolary voice.