Maya Angelou
As the narrator and protagonist, Angelou relates her intimate experiences from the years 1957 to 1962. She is a determined woman, intent upon accomplishing something for herself and her son. In this season, Guy is her focus. She devotes herself to raising him well by providing a personal example of a person she hopes he'll imitate. By involving herself in the Civil Rights Movement, writing, and supporting the South African freedom fighters via Vusumzi Make, she sets a formidable example for Guy to emulate. Selfless but strong, Angelou attempts marriage with Make but ends it after a short period. She will not enslave herself to anyone, even for the sake of a people's freedom. By the end of the book, Angelou has earned herself a well-deserved rest, having finally sent Guy off to college in good health.
Guy
Guy is Angelou's teenage son. He benefits from meeting all the many important community leaders which his mom knows. In NYC, he falls into a bad crowd through no fault of his own. Guy faces intense pressure from his peers, especially when his mother becomes more recognizable. When he attends college in Liberia, he gets hit by a car and severely injured. This is minor setback for Guy because he has copied his mom's endurance and tenacity.
Billy Holiday
She visits Angelou in California and encourages her friend to pursue a writing career. Her quiet confidence inspires her friend.
James Baldwin
Baldwin meets Angelou in the 50s in NYC. He quickly recognizes her potential and agrees to become her mentor. He invites her into his guild of African-American authors.
Vusumzi Make
Make is a freedom fighter in the people's movement of South Africa. He meets Angelou while in exile from his country. After their marriage, he moves the family to London and eventually Cairo to conduct his political affairs. He is a powerful man prone to many vices, doubtless because of the stress of his position. He is unable to learn to adapt his expectations to Angelou's differing worldview, particularly in relation to the woman's role in a marriage. Eventually his bad habits catch up to him, when Angelou decides to divorce him after finding out about his numerous infidelities and poor money management.
