Character Analysis
The minor character of Dilsey is a strong-willed black servant in the household. She puts up with the least amount of nonsense from the children and tries the most—of any character white or black—to help Nancy solve her plight. Yeah, Dilsey is pretty much the awesomest.
For example, Dilsey tries to calm Nancy down and get her to focus:
"Drink some coffee," Dilsey said. She poured a cup of coffee for Nancy. "Do you know he's out there tonight? How come you know it's tonight?" (2.24)
Nobody else treats Nancy with such care, although Quentin listens to her at least a little. But pretty soon Dilsey disappears from the story and Nancy is left with the non-help of the white family. One of the main points of having Dilsey in the story at all, then, is to show that at least someone tries to take care of Nancy—and it's another black person, not a white one.
Oh, and Dilsey's in The Sound and the Fury, too. Check out her analysis if you want more Dilsey goodness.