Characters
Annie Victoria John
Annie Victoria John, affectionately known as "Little Miss," is an exceptionally bright and sensitive young black girl from Antigua, part of the British West Indies. Her life is a tapestry of contradictions, emblematic of adolescence. Despite a keen intelligence and blossoming talent, Annie struggles with the complexities of her identity, sexuality, and growth. She longs for her mother's approval, yet her independent spirit often leads her astray—resulting in expulsions from deportment and piano lessons. Annie's internal monologues, vivid dreams, and fantasies chart a path through her anxieties and fears about change and stagnation alike. At seventeen, she leaves for England, seeking both independence and the hope of reconciling with her mother’s love.
Her narrative is punctuated by a fear of altering her essence and being left unchanged. This tension dominates the poetic flow of her story as she meticulously observes the world around her. Annie's eventual departure is tinged with the irony of leaving a place still marked by colonial influence, a realization of the potential for future reconciliation with her mother, and the necessity of distance to transform this into a reality.
Annie John
Annie's mother, Annie John, is a pivotal figure in her daughter's life, sometimes adored and at other times resented. Married to a significantly older carpenter, she gave birth to Annie at thirty. Her relationship with Annie is marked by her attempts to discipline her daughter while nurturing her own identity within a Western cultural framework. This cultural dichotomy often clashes with Annie’s search for personal identity, causing significant tension between them.
Through Annie’s youthful eyes, her mother alternates between being a tender caretaker and a nearly oppressive figure. Her efforts to guide Annie’s growth often appear contradictory, demanding both independence and adherence to maternal rules. Ultimately, Annie’s mother emerges as a woman caught between her cultural heritage and the Western values she wishes to instill in her daughter. Her compassion, particularly towards her husband, underscores the complexity of her maternal role, as she models both adult relationships and parental discipline.
Alexander John
Alexander John, Annie's father, is a proficient carpenter known for making coffins for the local community. His presence, initially perceived by Annie as distant and aloof, becomes more nurturing as she enters puberty. Despite this, he remains emblematic of traditional West Indian male attitudes, maintaining a dominating yet remote influence in Annie's life.
While his wife leans towards Western cultural practices, Alexander values modern scientific approaches, evident in his preference for Dr. Stephens’ methods over traditional ones. This reveals his subtle shift from cultural traditions. Though not as intimately involved in Annie's life as her mother, his support and the gentle attention he gives to Annie’s mother paints a portrait of both a caring spouse and a distant father figure.
Gweneth Joseph
Gweneth Joseph, Annie's first significant friend, represents a vital link between Annie's childhood and her budding independence. Their bond forms quickly at their new school, characterized by promises of eternal affection. However, as Annie matures and her interests evolve, she begins to see Gwen as merely "a silly, giggling schoolgirl." This realization leads to emotional detachment, culminating in a farewell marked by Gwen’s engagement and Annie’s reflective astonishment at her past feelings.
Gwen serves as a comfortable transitional figure, embodying the mother-like qualities that Annie initially embraces but later rejects in her pursuit of individuality. Their friendship, though enduring, loses intensity as Annie gravitates toward figures like the Red Girl, who signify her sexual awakening and desire for defiance.
Ma Chess
Ma Chess, Annie's maternal grandmother, is a formidable healer deeply rooted in the traditional West Indian culture...
(This entire section contains 1077 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
that her daughter has distanced herself from. Her sporadic comings and goings add an air of mystery and power, particularly during Annie’s illness, where Ma Chess’s care brings her back to health, echoing the affection once shown by Annie’s mother.
Her presence is a testament to the enduring family bonds and cultural heritage that persist despite the Western lifestyle embraced by Annie’s mother. Ma Chess’s guidance preserves the potential for a loving mother-daughter relationship, providing Annie with both sustenance and security, reminiscent of her mother's earlier nurturing.
The Red Girl
The Red Girl is a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity, embodying qualities that draw Annie into a clandestine friendship. Her defiance of societal norms, such as climbing trees to pick guavas and playing marbles with boys, captivates Annie, marking her sexual awareness and defiance against maternal constraints. Despite the Red Girl's eventual departure, her influence persists as a symbol of Annie’s quest for personal freedom and identity, sparking a journey of personal betrayals and explorations.
The Red Girl represents an alternative to Gwen's conventionality, fueling Annie’s yearning for self-discovery and individual expression. Her wild and free spirit provides a safe haven for Annie within the realm of female bonding and away from the confines of her home.
Mineu
Mineu, a childhood playmate, is the only boy near Annie's age. Their play, often reenacting local events, includes a particularly haunting incident where Mineu pretends to hang himself, only to be saved by a neighbor. This episode leaves Annie immobilized by fear, emphasizing her vulnerability and innocence.
Years later, a brief encounter with Mineu underscores their diverging paths, encapsulating Annie’s growing understanding of relationships and societal roles. Mineu’s presence in Annie’s life highlights the complexities of childhood friendships and the broader theme of growth and separation.
Ruth
Ruth, the daughter of the Anglican minister, struggles to adapt to life in Antigua. As one of the few English children, she often feels out of place, compounded by her academic underperformance. Annie perceives Ruth’s discomfort and imagines her longing for England, where her colonial heritage would remain unchallenged.
Ruth’s character accentuates the cultural tensions and identity struggles prevalent in Annie’s world, serving as a reminder of the lingering colonial influences and the challenges of navigating between divergent cultural identities.
Dr. Stephens
Dr. Stephens, the family doctor, stands as a pillar of modern science and Western medical practice, values esteemed by Annie’s father. While his treatments are effective for Annie's physical ailments, they fall short in addressing her deeper emotional and cultural issues, highlighting the limitations of a solely scientific approach to complex human experiences.
His character underscores the theme of cultural transition and the inadequacy of Western methodologies when confronting the intricate psychological dimensions of identity and belonging.