Aibileen's Self: A Character Analysis

The help takes place in the time of the 1960s and occasionally will dip into the 40s and 50s. The plot is primarily focused around the Civil rights movement. Because of the time placement, the book has and focuses on segregation. The book title it’s self is a term used for colored maids during this period. Most did not question segregation during this period because of the Jim Crow law “separate but equal”, it passed as being civil. There are several main characters. However, there are only four of the several people’s points of views in this book, one being Aibileen, who you first met during the start of the book. Aibileen is colored therefore, she is one of the helps. She's older and once had a son. She works for Mrs. Leefort and takes care

of Mae Mobley. Another character is Miss Skeeter Phelan, she plays a big role in the book, she is white and goes against the laws. She makes her own book, series of interviews, of what it’s like to work for whites and includes stories from many maids. Thirdly, there is Minny, a strong and spoken maid. Minny, has five kids and unfortunately lost her job working for Hilly, many will not hire her, until she meets Celia, who takes her not only as her maid but also a friend. Lastly, Hilly she is the antagonist in the story. Devoted to keeping segregation going. Throughout the book there are obstacles thrown at each character that shapes their decisions and relationships. Aibileen is built a bathroom out in the garage of Leelofts house because of Hilly’s influences. Because, of this Aibileen decides to work with Miss.

Skeeter on her interviews. This changes Aibileens view of Skeeter, and she begins to think not all white women are the same. Next, being Minny she first declines offers from Aibileen to work with Skeeter but after a strong convincing she gives in, one of her rules being she would not help recruit. However, after the event of Evans being shot, she quickly changes her mind and recruits not one but a dozen of maids helping Skeeter. Minnys relationship with whites was hateful at first, but she beings to soften around Celia and Skeeter. Lastly, there is Skeeter by beginning her book of interviews, she gains both a writhing career and a new outlook on colored maids. This decision came to her through seeing various encounters of segregation at work. Her relationships with her best friends, Hilly and Leefort, crumble, and she gained respect towards maids. The time frame helped give these decisions and outcomes, because of the ongoing Civil Rights protests and sit-ins. Colored people became weary of being treated poorly from the pigment of their skin, and not all but some whites agreed it was wrong. This called for the Civil rights laws to be passed and maids no longer had to work as the

help.