How is the relationship between Celie and Shug?

Celie is fascinated by Shug from the omoment she sees Mr___'s picture of her. When she turns up on their doorstep, dangerously ill but with her spirit intact, Celie is even omre captivated by her. Celie finds the way that Mr _ fawns over Shug as funny, and seems to understand why he loves her so much.

As Shug begins to show compassion for Celie and encourages her to respect herself, so Celie falls in love with Shug and their relationship becomes physical. Celie is wounded when Shug takes a husband, but learns that her love for Shug really centres around the gratitude she owes Shug for teaching her self-respect.