Ruth Anne Boatwright (Bone)

Bone is the central character in the book. The story spans her life from age 5 to 13. She is born to a 16-year old unwed mother and is branded a bastard when the word “illegitimate” is stamped on her birth certificate. Bone is angry, insecure, has no self-esteem, and is constantly hoping someone will love her. She works hard to gain love and affection, but often misinterprets hurtful—even violent—acts, for love. She fears Daddy Glen, but she also craves his love and acceptance.

Anney Boatwright (Mama)

Anney is Bone’s mother and the youngest of the Boatwright children. She is attractive and wants to better herself. She makes a valiant effort to get the stigma of bastard removed from Bone’s birth certificate. She marries Lyle Parsons, with whom she has another child, in hopes that he will adopt Bone. Lyle is killed before...