Character Development

Sarah Mallard:
Sarah Mallard is a fragile, insecure woman, who is abused by her husband Brett.  It has been 19 years since Sarah was been able to enjoy her life.  She is desperate for an escape, and she see's her husbands death as just that. 
Initially, Sarah did love Brett.  She was hopelessly in love with him when she married him at 17, and from that moment, she became his slave.  Because of the characters weakness, Sarah failed to stand up for herself, and so was submissive to Brett's strong demands.  Because of this life-long struggle, and hard-work, Sarah's appearance is haggard, and drained. 
When she is told the news of Brett's death, naturally the character does feel some heartbreak, however, after some thought, she begins to realise that she is free.  She now has no one there to tell her what to do, or to stop her from enjoying herself. 
From the characters severe heart disorder, when she finds out that Brett is alive, she suffers from a heart attack 'from the joys that kill'.

Richards:
From his costume, we know that Richards is in a well paid, office job.  His suitcase implies his high position within the company he works for.  He is a genuinly nice, family man.  He lives within his detached house, with his wife and 2 children.  He has known Brett since university, where they both studied Business, and met Sarah on a double date one New Years Eve.  Richards doesn't understand why Sarah is always depressed, but accepts who she is.  He has become so used to how down she is, that when she is excited and happy at the end, he doesn't understand.

We feel that the audience are represented by Richards.  His emotions are the emotions that we want our audience to feel.  We will therefore need the audience to connect with Richards from the beginning of the film.

Brett Mallard:
Brett lives for his work, which is all consuming, and he regrettably forgets his love for his wife.  He turns to alcohol for comfort, and leaves Sarah alone at home most evenings whilst he is out drinking with his friends in the local bar.  He comes home, violently drunk, and takes the rest of his anger out on Sarah.  He is controlling and manipulative, and makes Sarah's life very difficult.