Mary Pinesett

July Pinesett

July is Mary's husband, but his frequent absences and infidelity create a strained and ultimately broken romantic bond.

Budda Ben

Budda Ben is Mary's father-in-law, a stern and respected elder who often judges Mary's choices.

Unex

Unex is Mary's passionate but irresponsible lover after July leaves her, representing fleeting desire.

Maum Hannah

Maum Hannah is Mary's wise and supportive grandmother, acting as her primary maternal figure and moral guide.

Andrew

Andrew is a persistent suitor who pursues Mary romantically, though she often resists his advances.

Brer Dee

Brer Dee is a community elder and neighbor who interacts with Mary in the daily life of the plantation settlement.

Cinder

Cinder is Mary's close friend and confidante, sharing gossip and support through life's trials.

Seraphine

Seraphine is a rival woman in the community, often competing for male attention and social standing.

Daddy Cudjoe

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

Si May

Si May is a fellow woman in the community who shares in Mary's joys and sorrows as a friend.

June

June is Mary's child, representing her deep maternal love and the burdens of single motherhood.

Honey

Honey is a close female friend who provides emotional support and companionship to Mary.

Scarlet Sister Mary

The protagonist, introduced as a young woman navigating marriage and faith.

II

Mary is now fifteen, high-spirited and in love with July, recalling her childhood, conversion, and baptism.

III

Mary is the bride-to-be, torn between joy and sorrow as she leaves her childhood home. She is discovered by Maum Hannah to have committed 'sin' with July, leading to shame and fear.

IV

The bride, feeling both joy and weariness, agrees to accompany July to the dance at Foolishness.

V

The bride, who struggles with jealousy and ultimately dances on her wedding night, defying church expectations.

VI

Mary is pregnant and deeply devoted to July, finding joy in domestic life and work despite being turned out of the church.

VII

Attends the Christmas Eve prayer meeting, prays for July and her unborn child, and is deeply moved by the nativity story.

VIII

Mary experiences the arrival of spring, continues working in the fields, and gives birth to her son Unexpected in the road. She feels joy and happiness after the birth.

Chapter IX

Mary is left alone with the baby and chores when July stays out all night; she confronts him about Cinder's scent, feels hurt and jealous, and later tries to care for him when he claims a headache.

X

Feigns injury and blindness to manipulate July after he beats her; contemplates using poison or violence against Cinder.

Chapter XI

Mary is deeply saddened by July's abandonment and considers seeking magic from Daddy Cudjoe. She reflects on her marriage and her worn-out state, feeling hopeless except for her concern for Unex.

XII

Visits Daddy Cudjoe to get a love charm to bring July back and expresses desire to kill Cinder.

XIII

Grieves July's absence, prays for his return, and attends the prayer meeting with Unex.

XIV

Grieves deeply after July leaves, neglects herself and Unex, and is urged by Maum Hannah and Budda Ben to recover. Begins learning to smoke a pipe as a comfort.

XV

Reflects on time passing and Unex growing; resists Maum Hannah's urging to seek God; feels conflicted when June approaches.

XVI

Uses a love-charm on June to prevent him from leaving; tends to Unex and her household; reflects on the spring season.

XVII

Mary is joyful with her new baby Seraphine but distressed by Budda Ben's anger. She cleverly tricks Budda into holding the baby to mend their relationship.

XVIII

Now older, Mary manages a full household and reflects on her children, her past, and the changes brought by time and the boll-weevil plague.

XIX

Mary comforts Budda Ben, advises him to be thankful, and plans to ask Andrew to make crutches for Keepsie.

Chapter XX

Mary attempts to cheer Budda Ben, jokes about midwifery, and promises Maum Hannah she will change her sinful ways, though she remains defiant about her own resilience in childbirth.

XXI

Reflects on her life, her love-charm, her enduring youth, and her bond with Budda Ben; worries about Seraphine and contemplates the plantation's history.

XXII

Returns to church despite her vow, defends her lifestyle against Doll's attacks, and supports Maum Hannah.

XXIII

Heavily pregnant, Mary attends church services, experiences labor pains, and insists on going home during a storm. She later washes clothes and agrees to go to Heaven's Gate Church, where she is escorted by Andrew.

XXIV

Gives birth to twin sons and discovers an abandoned girl-child; she is exhausted but protective.

XXV

Mary has recovered and is working in the field, tending her garden and livestock. She comforts Seraphine, sharing her own experience with July's abandonment.

XXVI

Mary experiences a powerful emotional conflict when July returns, vacillating between joy and bitterness before sending him away.

XXVII

Mary lies to Maum Hannah about her tears, refuses July entry, and confides in Budda Ben about her pride and sorrow.

XXVIII

Mary is at home on a rainy night, caring for her children and reflecting on motherhood. She welcomes Unex and agrees to raise his baby Emma.

XXIX

Nurses Unex through his final illness, holding him as he dies.

The Death of Unex

Grieves the death of her child Unex, struggles with anger toward God, and maintains composure during the funeral.

XXXI

Grieves Unex's death, prays alone in the woods, experiences a vision of scarlet stripes, and finds spiritual peace.

XXXII

Dresses carefully and wears her earrings and love-charm to face the deacons; gives her experience with a new, quickened tongue; accepts rebaptism meekly.