May Alcott

May Alcott, or May Alcott Nieriker as she becomes later, is the main protagonist of the novel. The title is written in reference to her, as most readers are well aware of her famous sister, Louisa May Alcott the author of Little Women. The novel begins when May is in her late 20s in 1868 and finishes shortly after her death in 1880. May is comely and a little vain, with long golden girls. May, unlike her sister Louisa, is patient, thoughtful, careful, and considerate. Throughout the novel she attracts friends easily.

May mostly struggles with self-doubt, one of the major themes of the novel. Women artists are uncommon at the time, and May has to face the challenges of becoming an accomplished artist while exceeding the low expectations of women in this profession. At the beginning of the novel May has artistic inclinations, though has never pursued this...