Which of the two characters do you feel more sympathy for?

This question calls for "your" opinion. In my opinion, Ellen and Paul are equally sympathetic. Paul is trying to take care of his family...... to push on through the hard times and work towards their future. Ellen is exhausted and without hope, as their present circumstances are devastating..... she is so overcome with hopelessness that she can no longer see a future. In my opinion, Ellen might have gone home to live with her father for a time, particularly in consideration of the baby.