There's Roberta Muldoon. She is a transgender character, which was quite revolutionary for the time the book was written. Her friendship with Garp adds depth to the story. Also, Helen Holm, Garp's wife, is an important character as she plays a significant role in Garp's personal and family life.
The main themes include gender roles. The female characters in the book often defy traditional gender norms. There's also the theme of fate and how characters' lives are shaped by events beyond their control. Violence is another theme, as it impacts the characters' lives in different ways.
One of the main themes is the search for identity. Garp is constantly trying to figure out who he is in the complex world around him. Another theme is the role of family. His family relationships, including his relationship with his mother, wife, and children, are full of love, conflict, and growth. Also, the idea of gender roles is explored, as Garp interacts with strong female characters and navigates through a society with certain expectations of men and women.
Garp himself is very memorable. His journey as a writer and a family man is full of interesting twists and turns. His mother, Jenny Fields, is also quite remarkable. She has her own strong beliefs and a very independent personality. And Helen Holm, Garp's wife, with her own dreams and the challenges she faces in her relationship with Garp.
Well, 'The Cider House Rules' is definitely among the top. It's a story that makes you think about the difficult choices in life. Then there's 'A Widow for One Year'. It has a very engaging plot about love, loss, and the passage of time. Also, 'In One Person' is a great work. It deals with themes of identity, especially sexual identity, in a very poignant and interesting way.
John Irving's 1972 novel is likely to have unique themes and writing styles. One of the notable aspects could be his character development. Irving often creates complex and vivid characters that draw readers in.
One of the best is 'The Cider House Rules'. It's a powerful story that delves into complex moral issues, especially those related to abortion. Another great one is 'A Prayer for Owen Meany'. The character of Owen Meany is so vivid and the story is filled with Irving's unique blend of humor and deep emotion. And 'The World According to Garp' is also highly regarded. It's a wild and imaginative ride through the life of T. S. Garp, exploring themes of love, identity, and the chaos of life.