Synopsis
Mama's profound love for her seven daughters is evident as five of them take on roles in a play, each representing a facet of Mama's own character. This division mirrors Ezeulu's actions in "Arrow of God," where he splits his power between his sons. It seems Mama intentionally crafted her daughters as embodiments of her own qualities, creating a family of seven leaders, each reflecting a part of her essence.
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Blackman, Mama
She is a woman in her seventies, but her true age remains a mystery as she has never disclosed it to her daughters, among other secrets. Known affectionately as Lizzy, she hails from the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she and her family worked as sharecroppers cultivating rice by the river. Although her daughters once visited her birthplace, this memory has faded over time as they have spent most of their lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Mama is a reserved and dignified individual who fondly recalls her past and the heritage of her upbringing in the South.
Lilly (Obufama)
The eldest daughter, embraces an Afrocentric perspective on life. She challenges the family's deep-rooted beliefs influenced by a history of slavery that she is determined to eradicate. Resembling Mama in her strength and stature during her youth, Lilly strives to introduce new customs while cherishing Mama's traditional values. There appears to be an unspoken agreement on how to handle the family's challenges. Her life mirrors Mama's in many ways, albeit with a different theme, yet she also intervenes in her daughter's life just like Mama did. Lilly embodies Mama's spirit as a revolutionary of the post-Sixties era, advocating timeless truths that urge us to acknowledge the harsh realities of living in a society that discriminates against Black individuals.
Rosa (Sis)
The second oldest daughter, is considered Mama's favorite. Sis still resides with Mama following a failed marriage, which she attributes to Mama. Yannie, Sis's daughter, becomes a point of contention between mother and grandmother due to differing parenting approaches. Sis embodies Mama's nurturing side, but her dedication to Mama and Yannie has hindered her personal growth. In her late 30s, Sis lacks the drive to make changes in her life. She reminisces about a lost love and awaits his return.
Dealah
The fourth oldest and successful daughter, faces challenges despite her prosperity. Her strong inclination towards clarity and analytical thinking leads her to over-analyze situations. As a prosecutor advocating for justice, Dealah often finds herself in difficult positions. She grapples with the conflict between financial instability and her ticking biological clock, which hinders her wish to start a family. Dealah represents Mama's intricate nature, reflecting a deep sense of morality that many Black individuals demonstrated during the Civil Rights Movement.
Coot
is Mama's daughter who suffered from mental health issues and had a desire to marry an older man from a young age. Mama intervened to prevent the marriage, causing Coot to remain in a fragile mental state. Her delicate nature never fully recovered from Mama's forceful intervention. Mama believed that Willie was unsuitable for Coot due to his age, being old enough to be her father, and having children of Coot's age. Mama had Willie arrested and imprisoned, ultimately leading to his death. As a result, Coot retreated into her own world, contrasting with the life Mama had envisioned for her and her daughters. Coot represents Mama's extreme fixation taken to an unhealthy extreme. She is considered the fifth sister.
Divine
A modern-day wise person, derives comfort from existence. She is a spiritual leader and a mentor within the existentialist movement, a fact that her siblings refuse to acknowledge. Instead, they criticize her for being aimless. Nonetheless, she believes that her family excessively indulges in emotions over trivial matters. Occasionally, she can be bothersome to certain family members; when others believe a situation requires a serious attitude, she tends to show indifference. She has elevated Mama's spirituality to a higher level. She is the sixth eldest sister.
Supporters
Berta Multrose
An elderly woman around Mama’s age often gives the children a glimpse into Mama's past as a young woman, despite Mama's objections. Berta recalls knowing Mama from her days performing at the clubs across town in Baltimore, specifically at the Blue Note Concert Hall.
Marvin
Suitor for Sis, just got out of the service after the Vietnam War. Moves home to be with his mother, a friend of Mama.
Yannie
Sis's daughter is a dancer. She is at the center of numerous unresolved conflicts between Mama and Sis, stemming from their contrasting approaches to parenting.
Who is the third eldest daughter?