Vera Trask

Vera Trask is the stern mother of Dr. Trask and Elizabeth. When Penny Bassett visits the Trask home to recover belongings, Vera treats her as an unwelcome intruder and dismisses her as riffraff. The discovery of a secret studio filled with paintings stolen from Trask's students forces painful truths into the open. Vera's anger and grief deepen the hostility already dividing the household, while Elizabeth encourages Penny's resentment instead of seeking peace. Penny later returns with an old photo album and urges Vera and Elizabeth to remember their bond as family. Vera finally apologizes to Penny, even though Elizabeth is not ready to forgive. Proud, wounded, and defensive, Vera shows how sorrow can harden into cruelty, but also how an honest appeal can open the door to remorse.