Brewster Place is the name of the housing development where the novel takes place.
Although it is a physical structure, Brewster Place is given life and personification. It exists as both a nurturing and welcoming community, as well as a dilapidated and deteriorating neighborhood on the brink of collapse. The novel’s central character is Mattie Michael, who arrives at Brewster Place in her old age after being abandoned by her son and losing her home.
Mattie takes on the role of a surrogate mother to multiple women in the housing complex, providing love and support to those who, like her, have no one else to rely on. You can find a detailed analysis of Mattie Michael. Etta Mae Johnson, Mattie’s childhood friend and a resident of Brewster Place, has spent her life moving from one city and man to another, always searching for fulfillment of an unnamed longing.
Etta Mae Johnson moves into Brewster Place at a later stage in her life, and upon arrival, she experiences a deep sense of brokenness within herself. However, as time progresses, Etta begins to recognize and appreciate the significance of her bond with Mattie. For a detailed analysis of Etta Mae Johnson, please read further.
Kiswana Browne, also known as Melanie, is one of the six women depicted in the book. Growing up in an affluent black neighborhood called Linden Hills, Kiswana decides to leave college, change her name, and live in Brewster Place. Her purpose is to actively advocate for the cultural and class revolution she strongly supports. Despite being young and innocent, Kiswana is brimming with hope and ideals.
Eva Turner is the woman who gives Mattie and her son a place to live. Despite her brief appearance in the novel, Eva plays a crucial role. By offering Mattie a home, Eva’s act of kindness enables Mattie to raise her child. Moreover, Eva’s perceptive understanding of Mattie’s relationship with her son predicts the challenges that will arise between them in the future.
Basil Michael, Mattie’s lone son, is the focal point of her life from his birth onward. He matures under her vigilant and affectionate care. However, he refuses to take responsibility for his actions, eventually resulting in him fatally injuring a man during a altercation as an adult. While waiting for trial, he selfishly chooses to run away and abandon his mother’s house, choosing not to take any chances of going to prison.
Butch Fuller is Mattie’s former lover and Basil’s father. His approach to life is to live in the present moment, always moving on to the next woman and avoiding any potential problems or complications. Basil indirectly inherits Butch’s philosophy of life.
Cora Lee is one of the women of Brewster Place. From a young age, she has an obsession with getting new baby dolls and insists on receiving one every Christmas throughout her childhood. As she grows older, Cora has multiple children with different men but is incapable of providing proper care for any of them. You can find a thorough analysis of Cora Lee here.
Lorraine is one half of the lesbian couple depicted in “The Two.” She is described as being skinny, light-skinned, and sensitive. Lorraine is excessively preoccupied with how people treat and judge her due to her sexuality, which leads her to try to assimilate with the other women in Brewster Place. Unfortunately, she faces rejection from them.
After being gang raped in an alley, Lorraine finds comfort in Ben, whom she eventually murders. Theresa, the opposite of her partner Lorraine, is one half of the lesbian couple portrayed in “The Two.”
Theresa, a strong-willed and commanding woman, is described as shorter, darker, and more attractive. She tries not to care about what people say about her, yet it is evident that she is disturbed by the prejudice encountered by herself and Lorraine. Ben, the oldest resident of Brewster Place and an African-American, is also a drunk.
He comes from the South after being abandoned by his wife and daughter. Tormented by memories, he relies on alcohol for comfort. Ben becomes a temporary father figure to Lorraine, displaying immense compassion and emotional depth. Tragically, Lorraine ends up killing him.
Ben. C. C. Baker – The leader of a group of boys who engage in drug use and theft – is analyzed extensively.
C. C. is a young African-American male who inflicts fear and distress upon his community through the distribution of drugs and engagement in acts of violence. He is the central person accountable for the rape incident involving Lorraine.
He directs his anger towards her and the other inhabitants of Brewster Place due to his unfulfilled wants. Lucielia Turner, who is Eva’s granddaughter, is one of the women residing in Brewster Place. Later in the novel, she reappears as a young woman with a daughter named Serena and a useless boyfriend named Eugene. Despite his flaws, Lucielia loves him intensely.
Lucielia is deeply saddened and grief-stricken following Serena’s death. Eugene, who is Lucielia’s boyfriend and the father of their daughter Serena, is also depicted as irresponsible and self-centered like other male characters in the novel. Despite Lucielia’s disapproval, Eugene decides to abandon them, and tragically, Serena unintentionally takes her own life during their argument.
Sophie is a Brewster Place resident who takes charge of the campaign against Lorraine and Theresa. She displays pettiness and vindictiveness, with her attacks on Lorraine being motivated by her own insecurities. Ms.
Browne – Kiswana Browne’s mother, Ms. Browne, is a successful middle-aged black woman residing in the prosperous neighborhood of Linden Hills. While her daughter asserts she is disconnected from the black community, Ms.
Browne is a considerate and proud woman who desires the best for her daughter.
