In the dramatic audio script by Rick Regan, The Daughter Problem, Wayne Webster, a farmer in 1956 Montana, finds his life in disarray. He and his brother Reuben spend their evenings drinking and playing cribbage, still mourning the tragic deaths of their family members. Wayne is left to care for his two daughters, Marie and Maeve, and his niece, Josephine. The script unfolds over two days, Josephine's 18th birthday weekend, revealing the challenges each character faces as they navigate love, loss, and the future.
The Widow Riley character is introduced as a potential romantic interest for Reuben. She is a compassionate and wise woman who lost her husband in the war and moved to Montana to care for her mother-in-law. She works for the Sheridan County services and is a source of guidance for the Webster family. She is crucial to the drama as she helps Marie with her unplanned pregnancy and provides Wayne with a sense of peace and companionship, helping him move past the grief that has plagued him.
Themes:
- Grief and Memory: The story is deeply rooted in the past, as the characters struggle to move on from the deaths of Wayne’s wife, Irene; her twin sister, Colleen; and her husband, Keme. Wayne is literally haunted by the ghost of Irene, who is critical and controlling in death. Reuben and Wayne repeatedly recount the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths, showing how the past continues to shape their present. The Widow Riley shares her own grief story, helping to normalize the experience and connect with the Webster brothers.
- The Changing Roles of Women: The script explores the limited and expanding options for women in the mid-20th century. Maeve dreams of being a traditional farm wife, while Josephine yearns for a career as a serious artist in Montreal. Marie’s story highlights the tension between her desire for a modern career at a big bank in Toronto and her unexpected pregnancy with Ben Hair. Her dilemma is handled with care and empathy by Widow Riley, who provides support and options for Marie's future, including adoption or a safe abortion at a clinic on the reservation.
- Family and Community: The bonds between family and community are central to the narrative. Wayne, Reuben, Marie, Maeve, and Josephine have a complex but loving family dynamic. The community, represented by characters like the Widow Riley, provides a network of support, especially for Wayne and his daughters. Widow Riley's compassion and wisdom help the Websters confront their problems, from Marie's pregnancy to Wayne's ghostly encounters. The story suggests that while family can be a source of trouble, it is also a source of strength and comfort.
