Character Analysis
Olive is Wilhelm's mistress: the young Catholic girl from Roxbury whom he would have married if his wife, Margaret, had given him a divorce. We never learn much about Olive, but the few memories that that the novel's narrator shares are poignant and fond:
When she would get up late on Sunday mornings she would wake him almost in tears at being late for Mass. He would try to help her hitch her garters and smooth out her slip and dress and even put on her hat with shaky hands; then he would rush her to church and drive in second gear in his forgetful way, trying to apologize and to calm her. She got out a block from church to avoid gossip. Even so she loved him, and she would have married him if he had obtained the divorce. (6.23)
As a young Catholic woman living in a community where people keep tabs on one another's business, Olive risks her reputation and her chances at future happiness by having an affair with a married man. We don't know what happens to her after her relationship with Wilhelm dissolves, but things probably won't be too easy.