"Find your purpose. Make a difference."
Ordinary Angels - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Sharon Stevens
Hilary Swank
Motivation
To find a purpose outside of herself to silence her feelings of worthlessness, and to atone for her past failures as a mother.
Character Arc
Sharon transforms from an aimless, self-destructive alcoholic into a focused, relentless force for good. Initially, her charity is almost a selfish coping mechanism, but it evolves into a genuine connection that ultimately gives her the strength to face her estranged son and embrace sobriety.
Ed Schmitt
Alan Ritchson
Motivation
To protect and provide for his two young daughters at all costs, despite feeling completely inadequate and abandoned by the universe.
Character Arc
Ed begins the film paralyzed by grief, drowning in debt, and angry at God. He is fiercely independent to a fault. Through Sharon's intervention and the community's eventual support, he learns to let go of his pride, embrace vulnerability, and rediscover his faith in humanity.
Michelle Schmitt
Emily Mitchell
Motivation
To survive, be loved, and keep the memory of her mother alive.
Character Arc
While physically deteriorating from biliary atresia, Michelle remains the emotional anchor of the film. Her unwavering innocence and simple faith inspire both her father and a complete stranger to perform the impossible.
Barbara Schmitt
Nancy Travis
Motivation
To save her granddaughter and restore her son's shattered faith and spirit.
Character Arc
Barbara acts as the steadfast maternal presence trying to hold her son Ed together. She gently nudges him toward accepting Sharon's unorthodox help and serves as the voice of spiritual endurance, bridging the gap between Ed's anger and God's unseen plan.