The Children's Hour - Characters & Cast

Initially, to protect her school and her exclusive bond with Karen; ultimately, to punish herself for her newfound truth and to "free" Karen from her taint.

Martha transforms from a devoted, slightly overbearing friend into a woman shattered by public scrutiny. The accusation forces her to realize her repressed lesbian identity, and unable to live with the self-hatred instilled by her society, she commits suicide.

To clear her name, protect her best friend, and salvage the life she worked so hard to build.

Karen goes from a confident, engaged woman to a socially ruined pariah. She remains fiercely loyal to Martha, but by the end of the film, she is left completely alone, having lost her school, her fiancé, and her best friend.

Spite, a desire for control over her peers, and revenge against authority figures who attempt to discipline her.

Mary remains unrepentant and malicious throughout the narrative. She successfully destroys her teachers' lives merely to avoid a minor punishment, showing no genuine remorse for the devastation she causes.

To protect Karen, maintain his sense of justice, and salvage their impending marriage.

Joe tries to stand by Karen and Martha, defending them against his own aunt. However, his lingering, subconscious doubts cause Karen to end their engagement, leaving him helpless.

To protect her granddaughter and aggressively uphold the town's strict moral purity.

Amelia acts as the moral arbiter of the town, destroying the women with righteous conviction. She is eventually broken when she discovers her granddaughter's lie, leading to a futile, too-late apology.