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...