Edith Downes

Edith Downes lives at Downes Ranch with her husband, Thomas, and their son, Archie. When Thomas cannot repay a loan from Leopold Strauss, Arthur Morgan comes to collect it. Arthur beats Thomas despite his protests. Edith steps in, says the family has nothing left and explains that Thomas is sick, but Arthur demands the money and leaves. Thomas soon dies of tuberculosis, and Strauss transfers the debt to Edith.

Arthur later returns for the remaining payment. Edith hands over the money, curses him and leaves Downes Ranch with Archie. With nowhere secure to go, she supports them through prostitution in Saint Denis. Arthur comes across her there after recovering Sister Calderón's crucifix. She recognises him, reports that he is bothering her and has the police drive him away.

Edith and Archie eventually settle in Annesburg, where Edith continues seeking clients and Archie works in the mines. Arthur finds her, tries to apologise and learns of Archie's troubles with the miners. After Arthur intervenes for Archie, he persuades Edith to reunite with her son and accept money to begin again. She refuses to forgive him, but leaves with Archie. In 1907, they board a ship at Saint Denis harbor, apparently prosperous as their family develops businesses and a golf course in California.