The Rosie Effect characters

Appears from the start

A genetics professor now living in New York with his wife, Rosie. He remains most comfortable with schedules, quantified evidence, and direct rules, but marriage has made his life less predictable. When Rosie announces that she is pregnant, he immediately treats parenthood as a problem to research and prepare for.

Appears from the start

Don's wife, continuing her medical training in New York. She is pregnant with their first child and wants emotional partnership as well as practical support. Don's unusual response to the news makes her question whether their marriage can bear the demands of parenthood.

First appears in chapter 2

Don's friend from Australia, a psychologist whose marriage to Claudia has broken down after his repeated infidelity. He comes to New York and moves into Don and Rosie's apartment, bringing his own relationship crisis into an already strained household.

First appears in chapter 2

Gene's wife and Don's longtime friend. She remains in Australia after separating from Gene. Although mostly at a distance, her view of Gene's conduct and of Don's marriage complicates the explanations Gene gives for his situation.

First appears in chapter 3

Don's New York friend, a businessman whose practical, good-natured approach provides a contrast to Don's elaborate plans. He and his wife, Sonia, are also preparing for changes in their family, and he becomes part of Don's improvised support network.

First appears in chapter 3

Dave's wife and Rosie's friend. Her own experience of marriage and pregnancy gives Rosie another source of companionship while Don struggles to respond in the way Rosie expects.

First appears in chapter 8

A professional assigned to assess whether Don poses a risk to children after his behavior at a playground is misunderstood. She expects openness and ordinary social judgment, while Don's literal answers and attempts to manage the assessment tend to deepen her concern.

First appears in chapter 11

A musician in Don's New York circle who is grieving his late wife and drinking heavily. His need for practical help gives Don another complicated human problem to address and eventually makes him an unexpected ally.

Also known as Bud

Appears from the start

Don and Rosie's unborn child. The pregnancy makes abstract questions about Don's capacity for intimacy and flexibility immediate, and both parents project different hopes and fears onto the baby before the birth.