Bettie Petrowski

She’s 32 years old, Caucasian, beautiful, seemingly enthusiastic, but mentally ill—bipolar; committed by her husband to a mental institute for almost burning down their house with her and their son, Otis, in it. Once she is in, her ‘upswings’ remain strong. Bettie recognizes Carmen as a great artist and encourages her to paint what she feels. Bettie also has a lasting impact on Zelda. However, when Terrence threatens to marry someone else because it’s clear Bettie will never get better, Bettie seizes an opportunity that might make everything all right again.