Annie Victoria John

Annie Victoria John, or "Little Miss" as sometimes referred to, is a bright and highly sensitive young black girl growing up in Antigua, part of the British West Indies. Her intelligence and talent are evident, yet she is a complex mix of contradictions typical of adolescence. Though she deeply fears her mother's disapproval, Annie is simultaneously independent, leading to rebellious behaviors, such as getting dismissed from deportment and piano lessons. Her struggles with identity, sexuality, and maturation drive her narrative, punctuated by dreams and fantasies. Annie experiences anxieties over changing and not changing, culminating in her departure to England at seventeen, seeking independence and a potential future reconciliation with her mother's love.

Annie John

Annie's mother, Annie John, married a significantly older carpenter and gave birth to Annie when she was thirty. From Annie’s perspective, her mother is a dominant figure who is both adored and resented. As Annie matures, she perceives her mother’s discipline as overbearing, yet the mother's compassion and care, particularly towards her husband, are evident. She strives to instill Western cultural values in Annie, albeit with uncertain confidence in her own cultural identity. This cultural emphasis is a source of tension between her and her daughter, influencing Annie’s quest for personal identity and independence.

Alexander John

Alexander John, Annie's father, is a carpenter skilled in coffin making for the local community. Though distant from Annie, his presence is influential during her formative years. Annie initially perceives him as aloof, but as she transitions into puberty, she discovers his nurturing side. Representing traditional West Indian male attitudes, he upholds a distant, yet dominant presence in her life. Despite his wife's Western leanings, Alexander values modern science, as seen in his preference for Dr. Stephens over traditional methods, symbolizing his own departure from certain cultural traditions.

Gweneth Joseph

Gweneth Joseph is Annie's first significant companion at her new school, where they quickly become inseparable. Initially, Gwen is a comforting presence, serving as a bridge from Annie's secure childhood to her burgeoning independence. However, as Annie matures, she grows disenchanted with Gwen, viewing her as a "silly, giggling schoolgirl." Their friendship, though durable, loses its intensity, ending with the revelation of Gwen's engagement and Annie’s detached farewell, reflecting on her past affection with mild astonishment.

Ma Chess

Renowned as a powerful healer, Ma Chess is Annie's maternal grandmother, embodying the traditional West Indian culture that Annie's mother has distanced herself from. Known for her mysterious comings and goings, Ma Chess plays a pivotal role in Annie's recovery from illness, providing nurturing care that echoes the affection once shown by Annie's own mother. Her presence in Annie's life underscores the enduring bond of family and cultural heritage, contrasting the modern Western lifestyle her daughter has embraced.

The Red Girl

The Red Girl represents a stark contrast to the societal norms Annie has been taught to follow. She is a rebellious figure who climbs trees to pick guavas and plays marbles with boys, qualities that allure Annie into a secretive friendship. This relationship marks Annie's budding sexual awareness and her defiance against her mother's strictures. Though the Red Girl eventually moves away, her influence remains a symbol of Annie's yearning for freedom and individuality, catalyzing a series of personal betrayals and explorations.

Mineu

Mineu, the only boy near Annie's age, is a childhood playmate. Their play often involves reenacting local events, including a harrowing incident where Mineu pretends to hang himself, only to be saved by a neighbor. This event leaves Annie paralyzed with fear, highlighting her innocence and vulnerability. Years later, a chance encounter between them underscores...