Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Ma Chess

Annie's grandmother, Ma Chess, plays a small but significant role in the novel. She is a silent presence, but comes in at the right moment to save the day. Ma Chess represents the knowledge and wisdom of an obeah woman and the connection to the family's cultural past and ancestors.

She guides Annie and Annie's mother to healing, both physical (for Annie) and emotionally (for the both of them). After Ma Chess nurses Annie back to health, Annie's mother reaches peace with their relationship and tells Annie that "she will always be her mother." In a way, Ma Chess, who is Annie's maternal grandmother, is a spiritual guide to repairing mother/daughter relationships.