Characters
Howard Belsey
Howard Belsey is a white, slender art historian at Wellington College, originally from England. He is known for his enthusiasm and dedication to his field, yet he struggles with focus, particularly regarding his unfinished study on Rembrandt. This lack of focus is compounded by professional jealousy towards his nemesis, Monty Kipps, who has published a successful book on Rembrandt. Howard’s emotional strengths include his dedication to his family, showing love for his wife, Kiki, and attentiveness to their children. However, he is notably weak when it comes to resisting the temptation of other women, leading to an affair with Monty Kipps’ daughter, Victoria. Despite being a devoted husband, Howard’s personal failings are evident in his relationships outside the family. He shares a unique sense of humor with Kiki, which helps bond their marriage.
Kiki Belsey
Kiki Belsey is a black woman with southern roots, a descendant of American slaves. She works as a hospital administrator and is highly regarded in her professional capacity. Married to Howard for thirty years, Kiki has grown conscious of her weight but does not let it overly concern her. She is forgiving and compassionate, showing strength in her ability to understand and accept her husband's weaknesses, although she knows when she has had enough. Kiki often wonders about the paths she might have taken had she not dedicated so much of her life to her family. The shared sense of humor between her and Howard is a foundation of their relationship.
Jerome Belsey
Jerome, the eldest son of Howard and Kiki, is a student at Brown University. He is deeply self-conscious about both himself and his family, often feeling out of place. His stay with the Kipps family offers him a glimpse into a more structured, religious, and conservative lifestyle, which he initially finds appealing. However, his assumptions are later challenged, leading to a deeper understanding of both families. Jerome’s experiences reflect his struggle to find where he fits in both his family and the wider world.
Zora Belsey
Zora, the daughter of Howard and Kiki, is a student at Wellington and intellectually advanced for her age. Despite her maturity and confidence, she harbors insecurities about her weight and social skills, which make her interactions somewhat difficult. Her behavior can be domineering, as seen when she insists on joining a creative writing class without proper qualifications. Zora’s critical view of others contrasts with her personal struggles with self-esteem and social awkwardness.
Levi Belsey
The youngest of the Belsey siblings at fifteen, Levi has lived a sheltered life and is somewhat naïve. However, he possesses a genuine kindness and is the most adept socially among his siblings. Unlike Zora, Levi is driven by empathy and a desire to help others, rather than seeking personal gain. His natural inclination toward social justice reflects his good-hearted nature and potential for growth.
Claudia Simmons
Claudia Simmons is Kiki's mother, who played a significant role in Kiki’s life by leaving her the Wellington home, providing stability and a sense of heritage.
Harold Belsey
Harold is Howard’s father, residing in England, representing Howard’s roots and connection to his homeland.
Montague “Monty” Kipps
Monty Kipps is a black conservative professor and Howard’s professional rival. His success and contrasting political views create tension with Howard.
Carlene Kipps
Carlene is Monty’s wife, part of the family dynamic that attracts and later disillusions Jerome Belsey.
Victoria Kipps
Victoria, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Monty and Carlene, is described as sexually promiscuous and becomes entangled with Howard, adding complexity to the Belsey-Kipps rivalry.
Michael Kipps
Michael is the son of Monty and Carlene, known for...
(This entire section contains 838 words.)
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his conservative business outlook, further illustrating the Kipps family's ideological contrast with the Belseys.
Amelia
Amelia is Michael Kipps’s wife, adding to the familial network surrounding the primary characters.
Carl Thomas
Carl Thomas is a black poet invited to attend Claire’s poetry classes, illustrating the intersection of art and race within the narrative.
Chantelle
Chantelle is a black student poet who has an affair with Monty Kipps, highlighting the complexities of personal and professional boundaries.
Dr. Erskine Jegede
Dr. Erskine Jegede is Howard’s best friend and a fellow academic, providing a supportive and intellectual counterpart to Howard.
Caroline Jegede
Caroline is Erskine's wife, part of the academic community and social circle of the Belseys.
Claire Malcolm
Claire Malcolm, an English professor and writer, is known for her brief affair with Howard, creating tension in both her personal life and professional environment.
Warren Crane
Warren Crane, a biochemist, marries Claire Malcolm, further intertwining the personal and professional lives of the characters.
Jack French
Jack French is the Dean of the Humanities department, instrumental in hiring Monty Kipps, which fuels the professional rivalry with Howard.
Christian von Klepper
Christian von Klepper is one of Howard’s visiting lecturers, contributing to the academic setting of the story.
Smith J. Miller
Smith J. Miller serves as Howard’s teaching assistant, supporting his academic endeavors amidst personal and professional challenges.