"The Invention of Wings" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Sarah Grimké

Sarah Grimké is one of the two protagonists in "The Invention of Wings." She is a white girl from a wealthy family in Charleston, South Carolina, and aspires to be a lawyer and an abolitionist.

Handful

Handful is the other protagonist and is a slave owned by the Grimké family. She is determined and resilient, longing for freedom and independence.

Angelina Grimké

Angelina Grimké is Sarah's younger sister. She shares Sarah's abolitionist beliefs and becomes an influential speaker for the anti-slavery movement.

Denmark Vesey

Denmark Vesey is a real historical figure and a leader in the planned slave rebellion in Charleston in 1822. He influences Handful's life and actions.

Mauma

Mauma is Handful's mother and a skilled seamstress. She instills in Handful a sense of hope and resistance against the oppression of slavery.

Character Descriptions

Sarah Grimké

Sarah is depicted as intelligent, compassionate, and determined. She struggles with the societal expectations placed upon women in the 19th century and seeks to advocate for the rights of both women and slaves.

Handful

Handful is portrayed as brave, resourceful, and spirited. Despite enduring the hardships of slavery, she maintains her sense of self-worth and dreams of a better future.

Angelina Grimké

Angelina is described as passionate, outspoken, and fiercely dedicated to the abolitionist cause. She challenges the norms of her upbringing and becomes a prominent voice for freedom and equality.

Denmark Vesey

Denmark is characterized as a charismatic and influential figure who inspires hope and resistance among the enslaved population. His leadership and courage leave a lasting impact on Handful.

Mauma

Mauma is depicted as resilient, nurturing, and deeply devoted to her daughter, Handful. She imparts valuable lessons of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Character Traits

Sarah Grimké

• Determined
• Compassionate
• Progressive
• Idealistic

Handful

• Resilient
• Resourceful
• Defiant
• Hopeful

Angelina Grimké

• Passionate
• Courageous
• Empathetic
• Provocative

Denmark Vesey

• Charismatic
• Inspirational
• Strategic
• Daring

Mauma

• Nurturing
• Wise
• Tenacious
• Sacrificial

Character Background

Sarah Grimké

Sarah is born into a privileged white family in the antebellum South. Despite her upbringing, she is deeply troubled by the institution of slavery and yearns to advocate for justice and equality.

Handful

As a slave, Handful is born into a life of oppression and servitude. She witnesses and experiences the brutalities of slavery but maintains her spirit and determination to defy the dehumanizing system.

Angelina Grimké

Angelina grows up in a wealthy and influential Southern family but becomes disillusioned with the practices of slavery. She embraces her convictions and dedicates herself to the abolitionist movement.

Denmark Vesey

Denmark is a former slave who purchases his freedom and becomes involved in the planning of a large-scale rebellion. His experiences as a free man drive him to seek justice for those still enslaved.

Mauma

Mauma endures the hardships of slavery and imparts her resilience and wisdom to her daughter, Handful. She carries with her the legacy of her African heritage and instills a sense of hope in the face of adversity.

Character Arcs

Sarah Grimké

Sarah's character arc revolves around her journey from a conflicted young girl to a bold advocate for abolition and women's rights. She confronts the limitations imposed by her gender and class, ultimately finding her voice and purpose.

Handful

Handful's character arc portrays her evolution from a defiant young slave to a symbol of resilience and empowerment. She navigates the harsh realities of bondage, finding moments of agency and strength despite the oppression.

Angelina Grimké

Angelina's character arc follows her transformation from a privileged Southern woman to a fervent abolitionist and women's rights activist. She challenges societal norms and uses her platform to advocate for change.

Denmark Vesey

Denmark's character arc unfolds as he transitions from a victim of slavery to a proactive leader in the fight against oppression. His involvement in the planned rebellion reflects his unwavering commitment to freedom.

Mauma

Mauma's character arc illustrates her enduring strength and determination in the face of adversity. She imparts essential values to Handful and remains a source of inspiration throughout Handful's journey.

Relationships

Sarah Grimké and Handful

Sarah and Handful's relationship evolves from one of master and slave to a deep bond of mutual respect and solidarity. Their connection becomes a catalyst for both characters' personal growth and pursuit of justice.

Sarah Grimké and Angelina Grimké

The relationship between Sarah and Angelina is characterized by sisterly love and shared convictions. They support each other in their advocacy for abolition and women's rights, influencing each other's perspectives and actions.

Handful and Mauma

Handful and Mauma share a profound mother-daughter bond rooted in love and strength. Mauma's guidance and sacrifices shape Handful's resilience and determination to defy the dehumanizing effects of slavery.

Handful and Denmark Vesey

Handful's interactions with Denmark Vesey highlight the impact of his leadership and courage on her aspirations for freedom. His influence inspires her to challenge the constraints of slavery and envision a future beyond bondage.

Angelina Grimké and Denmark Vesey

Angelina's encounters with Denmark Vesey symbolize the intersection of their respective commitments to the abolitionist cause. His involvement in the planned rebellion serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency for change.

In "The Invention of Wings," Sue Monk Kidd intricately weaves together the lives and experiences of these characters, offering a compelling portrayal of their interconnected struggles and triumphs in the face of oppression.