Calvin Jarrett is a fictional character from the novel "Ordinary People" by Judith Guest. He is portrayed as a caring father who struggles with the emotional fallout of his family's tragedy. His character embodies themes of grief, communication, and the complexities of family dynamics. In the story, Calvin's relationships with his wife, Beth Jarrett, and their surviving son, Conrad Jarrett, highlight the challenges of coping with loss. As he navigates his family's pain, Calvin seeks to understand and support his son while also dealing with his own feelings of helplessness and frustration.