Consolata Connie Characteristics of the Major Female Characters
In the second last chapter when the men start to attack and barge in the Convent. Consolata does not do anything when the man tries to kill her, she just
gazes the man eyes and the other man kills her easily without resistance. Consolata as a woman still loves her ex boyfriend even her boyfriend betrayed
her. Her soft character in this part shows that woman is nurturer, kind, and loving. Consolata as a woman has the main behavior of woman which is loving,
kind, and caring. Her characteristic is shown from the conversation between her and other people. Her reaction also shows that she care with people who need
help, she cannot abandon anyone. She helps everyone men and women who come to her.
“I broke down a ways back. Can anybody help? Is there someplace I can call?” The woman stood up, gathering the hem of her apron in
both hands, and came forward… “No telephone out here,”she said. “Come inside” Morrison, 1997:38.
From the conversation and reaction above, Consolata responds and helps a stranger who asks her help. It is clear that Consolata always ready to help other
people. Even though she is busy, she is willing to leave her work to help a stranger. Her kindness characteristic has always been the most suitable
characteristic to describe her personality, as the author stated through other characters thought. There are some direct comments from other characters that
show the kindness of Connie. “Connie’s nice, isn’t she? Soane looked at her,” Yes. She is.” and “Yes. She’s nice. I feel better now” Morrison, 1997:44. The
other proof in chapter Grace which show the kind and caring characteristic from Consolata. Consolata gives shelter to Gigi who does not have place to live.
“Oh, that’s little Grace. She came the day after Mother died.” “Died? When?”
“Seven days now. Seven” Morrison, 1997: 76. It can be seen from the conversation, that Consolata accepts Gigi to live in
the Convent. She treats Gigi nicely by saying “Soon you’ll like her” to Mavis Morrison, 1997: 77. Consolta convinces Mavis that Gigi is nice girl not as what
Mavis thought. Consolata serves as the Mother of Saints, she is authoritative and wise.
She tells the women, If you want to be here you do what I say. Eat how I say. Sleep when I say. And I will teach you what you are hungry for. Morrison,
1997:262. Every word and advice which she gives to other women in Convent shows that she is wise and should be followed. Connie laughed, ”Scary things not
always outside. Most scary things is inside” Morrison, 1997:39. No one left. There were nervous questions, a single burst of frightened
giggling, a bit of pouting and simulated outrage, but in no time at all they came to see that they could not leave the one place they were free
to leave Morrison, 1997:262.
Everyone in the Convent chooses to stay and refuse to leave. Consolata in
the story is represented as a leader in the Convent and other women chose to follow her. Her characteristics make women in the Convent choose to stay and
follow her, this makes her as the main character. It can be seen from the action and manner of Consolata that she is authoritative in the convent. All of women in
the Convent follow her teaching and advices. As the character who has big influence in the story, it makes sense that she is a leader of the Convent. Her
characteristics allow her to lead and rule the Convent. She tells other women in the Convent to be aware of themselves and treat other women nicely. The story
focuses on how men of Ruby town treat her and how Consolata escapes from her past and the patriarchal system in Ruby.