Mrs. Brown’s servant Nonnie was the best servant in Maxwell unless it was her sister Bess.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1 paragraph 5)

Importance: Nonnie, an African-American young woman who has an affair with a white man, is described as being the best servant in Maxwell despite the face some believe she is stuck up because she has been to college. This quote also hints at the inequality between Nonnie and her sister Bess, who feels resentful of her sister's attention and love from their parents and affair with Tracy.

Had to talk to Bess. Relieved that he didn’t have to do it now. Dreaded a talk with Bess. Like talking to God. End up by her knowing all about you. With Mama dead, bet she bosses Non like Mr. Almighty himself. Well…he was taking Non back. That’s what he’d come for.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2 paragraph 19)

Importance: Ed Anderson, brother of Bess and Nonnie, returns to Maxwell with...