About Dr. Paul Roarke
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In Hartsend, the phrase generally used to describe the Roarkes is ‘old money’. Most members of the family pride themselves on discretion. The gregarious Paul isn’t a particularly good fit in his family but gets along beautifully in Hartsend. Patients at Hartsend General nearly always rank him “Excellent” or “Outstanding” on their discharge questionnaires, citing his listening and communication skills.
Appearance:
A couple of his female patients think Paul looks like a doctor on a soap opera. He’s tall, slim, and ruggedly handsome. During the summer, his face and hands are heavily tanned because of the time he spends outdoors.
Dialogue Style:
Paul’s accent is a hybrid of Baltimore (where he went to school) and Hartsend (where he grew up). In conversation, Paul comes across as someone who’s well-educated but not interested in proving it. He’s more a listener than a talker, but an engaged listener.
Personality traits:
Upbeat, sociable, even-tempered. It’s rare for Paul to take the leader’s spot, more common for him to be the team’s problem solver. He attacks situations others try to avoid. That’s the way Paul always reacts, whether he’s handling a difficult case at the hospital or planning a weekend camping trip.
Backstory:
Paul knew from an early age that he wanted to be a doctor. A combination of hard work and family connections landed him a spot at Johns Hopkins. He met his wife Audrey, a graphic artist, while studying there. The Roarkes decided to settle in Hartsend after Paul’s graduation, thinking it would be a good place to raise a family.
Now, it’s 1970. The Roarkes have two children, and they’re concerned about how Hartsend school desegregation plan will affect their son and daughter. Besides this, Paul is worried about rumors of a reorganization at Hartsend General. No one seems to know if their job is secure.
Paul reaches out to a friend from school. The friend tells Paul about jobs in a new planned community set to open in Maryland. It’s near the Chesapeake Bay, close to the area where Audrey grew up. Schools in this community are already desegregated. Paul tells Audrey, who agrees the situation is worth investigating. At this point, though, neither is committed to the idea of relocating to Maryland.
Relationships:
Audrey Garrett Rourke: In many ways, the move to Hartsend is more difficult for Audrey than her husband. She simply feels uncomfortable in Kentucky. Audrey never shares this feeling with anyone besides her husband, concerned that it might negatively influence their children.
She’s also frustrated by locals, who tend to regard her art as a hobby rather than a career. Paul, worried about being labeled “hen pecked”, doesn’t always take her side as vigorously as Audrey would like. On occasion, this creates tension between the Roarkes.
Melanie Cantrell: Paul and Melanie were “in school” friends when both attended Hartsend High. Now, they’re “work friends” at Hartsend General. The two have similar outlooks and tend to laugh at the same jokes. They often act as sounding boards for one another, especially about issues with their children. For example, Melanie is one of the few people who know Paul is considering job opportunities in Maryland.
Motivations and Goals:
Paul’s family is his first thought and primary motivation. The goal is maintaining a secure, loving environment for them.
Character Arc:
At the beginning of the story, Audrey was more worried about Hartsend’s school desegregation plan. Paul begins to share her concerns after violent protests occur and especially after the murder of Heather Lindsay. Job uncertainties at the Hartsend General are an additional complication. The situation will be a considerable test of Paul’s problem-solving skills.
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