The character in Nick Hornby's "Funny Girl" grapples with her personal ambitions and family responsibilities. She has long believed that her aspirations in acting might overshadow her obligations, particularly towards her ailing father. This internal conflict highlights the tension between pursuing one's dreams and attending to familial duties.
Despite her suspicions about her priorities, she hoped that the news of her father's illness would remain unspoken for some time, allowing her to focus on her career without the weight of guilt. This illustrates her struggle to balance success in her professional life while dealing with the inevitable challenges of her personal life.