Jack Jerome is the patriarch of the Jerome-Morton clan. Father to one set of kids and uncle to another, Jack holds two jobs to support the blended family. Jack is typically the final word in all family decisions; everyone except Nora looks to him to make the hard choices. Jack generally handles this responsibility with grace. In Act One, he stays up late so that every needy member of the family has their turn to speak with him about the problems they face. Jack is persuasive and thoughtful in his advice. He shows a balanced approach to framing Stanley’s situation at work, noting Stanley’s courage while at the same time acknowledging how much the family needs Stanley’s salary, and his opinion convinces Stanley to act against his instincts and write a letter of apology to his boss.

Jack is a resolute family man. When he suffers from a mild heart attack, he refuses to stay in bed as the doctor instructed him. Instead, Jack provides valuable insight into Blanche and Kate’s relationship, which helps them make up after a devastating argument that threatens their bond. He also helps Stanley stop feeling guilty and stupid for having lost a week’s salary. At the end of the play, Jack prepares to welcome Jewish refugee cousins from Europe, and his family agrees with him.