# Daddy Cudjoe — Scarlet Sister Mary character guide

> Daddy Cudjoe in Scarlet Sister Mary by Julia Peterkin.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Daddy, old Daddy Cudjoe, Poor Daddy Cudjoe, Old Daddy Cudjoe

**First appearance:** 0003-ii

## Snapshot

An old man bent by time who trades in folk wisdom and love-charms, the keeper of a power the church would call wicked and Mary calls faithful.

## Who they are

Daddy Cudjoe lives at the edge of the plantation's moral world, where root-work and old knowledge survive alongside Reverend Duncan's black Book. He gives Mary the charm that brings July back and later restores her withered body to its old supple grace, a gift she cherishes as if it were God's own. His presence in the novel keeps the reader aware that the community's Christianity and its older magic are braided together, not opposed.

## Relationships

### [Mary Pinesett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/characters/mary_pinesett)

_family_

Daddy Cudjoe is an elderly relative or respected elder who offers wisdom and occasional reproach to Mary.

### [Mary Pinesett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/characters/mary_pinesett)

_family_

Daddy Cudjoe is an elderly relative or respected elder who offers wisdom and occasional reproach to Mary.

### [Mary Pinesett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/characters/mary_pinesett)

_family_

Daddy Cudjoe is an elderly relative or respected elder who offers wisdom and occasional reproach to Mary.

## In the story

### [Scarlet Sister Mary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/scarlet-sister-mary)

A community elder Mary seeks out for help after July leaves.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/vi)

Daddy Cudjoe, the conjure doctor, brings root teas for Mary to stir, acknowledging her special touch during pregnancy.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/xi)

Daddy Cudjoe is discussed as a wise man skilled in black and white magic, who can create charms. Maum Hannah recounts a humorous incident where his root medicine caused him to act out of character.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/xii)

The old conjure man who lives alone by the river; he prepares a love charm for Mary and advises her to stay cheerful.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/xvi)

Mentioned as the maker of Mary's love-charm; described as a kind old man who works black magic.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/xxi)

Mentioned as the source of the love-charm that Mary used to regain her youth and attract men.

### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/chapters/xxxii)

Comes last to welcome Mary and asks for her love-charm, which she refuses to give away.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/characters/daddy_cudjoe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scarlet_sister_mary_se/characters