Reversal of roles in 'The Matyrdom of Helena Rodrigues'

Aloysius and George vs Helena and Caroline
- Physical
Helena had the meek gentle face of a nun and the forced personality of an Empress Tzu Hsi. She never gave the appearance of complaint. Helena also served the pesona and Aloysius the last two chops and only ate two boiled eggs. Caroline Adams was a plump and cheerful girl,with twinkling eyes and infectious chuckle. she also had a pretty face.
-Psychological
Helena never complained. She also assumed things. For example, Helena assumed Aloysius was going to bring home guests everyday and thus, prepared an extra plate for the next whole week. For Aloysius, he was a henpecked husband. He allowed Helena to control him and all his moves. Helena made sure Aloysius was punctual for every meal and made him recite his programme for the day every morning. George and Aloysius merely accepted all their 'sufferings' with Helena. They allowed her to control them and gave in to her.

George was brought up by Helena with the midset that to disrespect his mother's wish would leave him guilty. Helena never wanted George to leave her alone. She wanted him to be with her every time she was at home. Caroline always tried to make George laugh and forget his problems.

-Emotional
Aloysius kept his feelings too himself till the day he died. Helena was an emotional and sensitive person. When she felt that George was getting closer to Caroline, she felt as though she was going to lose him forever. George also kept his feelings and thoughts to himself. He never told Helena how he felt.

-Spiritual
Helena was a Sinhalese Catholic . She was the mistress in the use of Christian matyrdom on the domestic front.