Quickly here I will say that Liz is the more traditional believer in practice, yet she is less traditional in her daily life and treatment of Annie. She is not judgmental or insisting that her friend adhere to strict religious practices. Liz accepts Annie for who she is, enjoys her company and contributes to helping make Annie and Sally's lives better in any way she can without finding fault, interfering, or placing blame. She supports her in every way she can, brings lightness to her life in any way she can, and is just the most supporting, best friend she can be for doing so. Annie seems more rigid in her faith, more fearful, less open. The two are foils for one another - yet McDermott shows us how this is both possible and positive - and the results are rewarding for all involved.