Carol Collins

Carol Collins, also named Margaret Miller, is a character in Home Before Dark. She is portrayed by Sharon Lawrence.

Biography
Margaret Miller was born on December 23, 1952, in Katonah County. She had a younger brother named Ezekiel, with who she was very close. However, Zeke often got into trouble. On April 9, 1973, Margaret was arrested for auto theft alongside her brother, who had roped her into the business. Her family had money trouble and hardships, and she committed grand larceny to secure finances. She was released early for good behavior and wanted a do-over. She hopped on a bus to Portland. She saw Carol Burnett on television and, inspired by her story, adopted the first name of Carol. She then started her new life in Erie Harbor, Washington. She met local man Roger Collins, and they had a daughter together, Kim, and they were involved in the community. She became friends with the Mayor Jack Fife and his family, often having dinner with his son Richie, who was the same as Kim.

On January 31st, 1988, Zeke was released from prison and came to town. He asked Carol to meet him at the arcade where Richie and his friends used to hang out. He had a plan to kidnap Richie Fife, but he needed a driver and a car. She was against the idea, though he convinced her it was a rescue mission. A friend of the family hired him to get Richie away from his abusive father. When she refused, he threatened to hire an ex-con named Tommy to help. She agreed to drive in an attempt to protect Richie. They kidnapped Richie and put him in the back of the van, driving off without a trace. In the end, Richie and Zeke disappeared with the van. Because they were both hurt, Carol believed they died in the car crash she heard in the background of a call. She covered her tracks by pretending to find Richie's jacket and kept quiet to protect herself and Kim. After Sam Gillis was convicted of the kidnapping and alleged murder of Richie, Carol began to feel guilty but was convinced by Frank Briggs Sr. that Sam was a bad person who was capable of committing such a crime.

In the thirty years since 1988, Carol and her husband divorced as Roger's mental health declined. She became a librarian at Erie Harbor School and lived a quiet life with her daughter.