TAR BABY

      I finally learned all of the characters and a little information about each one. It took a while to learn each of the characters- their backgrounds, roles in the story, likes and dislikes- but I finally learned them.

      There are two protagonists in Tar Baby. One is Jadine Childs, a 25yr old black model. She is also an orphan and is raised by Ondine and Sydney. Jadine is very strong minded but often questions her thoughts and choices. 

      The second protagonist is Son, who's real name is William Green. He is the guy introduced at the beginning of the book. Son has a dangerous past but he is passionate. Son also has a strong belief that whites and blacks can not coexist together in harmony and has a strong bond with the natural world. He and Jadine are lovers in this novel.

Valerine Street is a wealthy 70yr old white male. He is the owner of the land that Son ends up, L'Arbe de la Croix. His hobby is gardening, and he is somewhat arrogant at times, but his life changes after learning a past secret about his wife.

Margaret Street is Valerine's wife but younger than him by about twenty years. She is not from the island and dislikes living there.  Margaret was called the "Principal Beauty of Maine" since high school, so she is very conceited. But Margaret has  cruel mind and past.

Michael Street is the son of Valerine and Margaret. He is not really in the story but he is mentioned a lot. Michael is known for dehumanizing black people but overall he is kind hearted.

Sydney( Valerine's butler) and Ondine(Valerine's cook) both take care of Jadine. Sydney is a black male from Philly that is assertive at times. He also does not trust Son. Ondine is a black woman that is strong minded. Jadine refers to her as "Nanadine".

Gideon, aka Yardman, is a black handyman. He is fired by Valerine for sealing apples. Gideon once lived in America and was tricked by his wife to move to the islands. His wife Therese, aka Mary, is also fired for stealing apples; she was the laundress. Therese is prejudice against non-islanders.  

Alma Estee is Gideon and Therese's daughter. She is also called Mary. She works as a janitor when her parents lose their jobs, but is more caught up with her image than anything else.

Other characters include Ryk, Jadine's wealthy white boyfriend and supposed to be fiance. Dr. Michelin is a friend of Valerine. Dawn is Jadine's friend from New York. Soldier and his wife Ellen, Carl, Drake, and Ernie Paul are all childhood friends of Son. Cheyenne was Son's first wife. Old Man is Son's father and Aunt Rosa is Son's aunt. B. J. Bridges is a famous poet and Michael Street's favorite teacher.

All of these characters either play a major role in Jadine and Son's life, or are mentioned throughout the book. Either way, they all help to make this book great. LATA!!!