The Help: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Help: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate dynamics among a diverse cast within a racially charged setting in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi. The central character, Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, is a college graduate with aspirations of becoming a journalist, who decides to document the experiences of African American domestic workers. Aibileen Clark, a nurturing figure in the narrative, serves as a maid and caregiver, providing insight into the struggles and resilience of her community. Minny Jackson, known for her fiery spirit, faces challenges with trust and employment while forming a bond with Celia Foote, a kind but socially awkward woman.
Hilly Holbrook represents the societal elite's prejudices and enforces strict social norms, while Elizabeth Leefolt reflects a more anxious, submissive role within that hierarchy. The narrative also touches on the complex relationships between employers and their help, exploring themes of power, discrimination, and the pursuit of dignity. Ultimately, the character interactions highlight the broader societal issues of the time, making it a poignant exploration of race and class.
The Help: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Kathryn Stockett
First published: 2009
Genre: Novel
Locale: Jackson, Mississippi
Plot: Historical; social morality
Time: August 1962 to March 1964
Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a tall, skinny recent college graduate with unruly hair and journalistic ambitions. She is interested in acquiring a writing job. Despite applying for several publishing and newspaper jobs across the country, she is able to find only a domestic advice column at the local paper. When a New York publisher encourages her to find a fresh, new cause for a book proposal, Skeeter decides to interview and tell the stories of the African Americans who work as domestic help for Jackson's elite whites. She and Aibileen Clark work for months on the manuscript, and Skeeter sends it to her New York connection, who agrees to publish the work. Skeeter publishes her book anonymously but moves to New York after its publication to take a journalism job.
Aibileen Clark, a warmhearted, fifty-three-year-old African American woman who works as domestic help for Elizabeth Leefolt. She mourns her late son and pours her maternal heart into Mae Mobley, Elizabeth's young, neglected daughter. Her best friend is Minny Jackson. Although initially hesitant, Aibileen helps Skeeter with her domestic advice column. Aibileen is the first to contribute her stories to Skeeter's book project. Although timid at first, she gradually grows in hope and appreciation of her own storytelling talent. When she is ultimately fired because of her work on the book, she is surprised to discover a sense of peace, strength, and freedom.
Minny Jackson, a fiery, hefty, thirtysomething African American woman who is deeply distrustful of Jackson's elite whites. She works as domestic help for Mrs. Walters, then Celia Foote. Although the best cook in the county, she has trouble holding her positions because she is outspoken. After she is fired from her position with Mrs. Walters, she works for Celia. The two women for a bond, and the family hires Minny permanently.
Hilly Holbrook, a slightly pudgy brunette in her early twenties who runs the social scene in Jackson. She is an old friend of Skeeter and the president of the Jackson Junior League, for which one of her major projects is the Home Help Sanitation Initiative, which proposes separate, outdoor toilets for African American domestic help. When Hilly forces her mother to fire Minny Jackson, Minny commits an act she calls the “Terrible Awful,” in which she mixes her own excrement with the chocolate filling in a pie, from which Hilly eats two slices.
Elizabeth Leefolt, an underweight, anxious white woman in her early twenties, who is not rich but is desperate to be part of Jackson's elite social scene. She employs Aibileen Clark. She is not as cruel or as arrogant as Hilly, but she follows Hilly's lead almost worshipfully. She neglects her daughter Mae Mobley. At Hilly's behest, she fires Aibileen on a trumped-up theft charge.
Celia Foote, a buxom blond from a low socioeconomic background married to the wealthy, successful Johnny Foote. Kind and naive, she hires Minny Jackson to help her learn to cook and keep house. She spends most of her time trying to ingratiate herself with the Jackson social scene. After she humiliates herself at a charity event and is treated horribly by Hilly Holbrook, she and Johnny deepen their love by open communication her miscarriages.
Stuart Whitworth, a handsome, tall son of a Mississippi state senator who dates Skeeter. He proposes marriage but rescinds his proposal when Skeeter informs him of her writing project.
Mrs. Walters, Hilly Holbrook's failing but spirited mother and Minny Jackson's employer at the start of the book. Around the time of the Terrible Awful event, Hilly sends her mother to a nursing home and sells her mother's home. Mrs. Walters, who is one of the few people in Jackson to know about the Terrible Awful, gets her revenge by signing Hilly up for another of Minny's pie at a charity event.
Constantine Bates, the maid for the Phelan family who raised Skeeter. She is missing when Skeeter returns home from college. Skeeter finally learns that Constantine was fired because her light-skinned daughter embarrassed Charlotte Phelan at a party held in the Phelan home.
Johnny Foote, the handsome, wealthy husband of Celia Foote who is deeply in love with his wife. When he finds out about his wife's four miscarriages, he responds with charity and generosity.
Rachel Bates, a light-skinned and a spirited young woman who is the daughter of Constantine Bates. She challenges Charlotte Phelan's morals, which results in her mother's firing.