The Narrator
The narrator is the central character, and she narrates the journey of her writing career starting in childhood. While she was in junior school, the narrator used to draw her teacher at the back of her exercise book. After drawing the picture, she started compiling one word after the other until the story was complete. Later, Mr. Burton, her class teacher, discovered the drawing and narration about himself. The teacher did not feel bad about the drawing because he encouraged the girl to pursue her career. The narrator continued practicing writing until she became successful in adult life.
The narrator's boyfriends
During her sexual explorations, the narrator dates two boyfriends with different personalities. The first boyfriend loves the narrator but does appreciate her writing career. The narrator realizes she cannot continue with her first boyfriend because he does not fully love her. The second boyfriend is loving, supportive, and caring. The second boyfriend suggests books the narrator should read to develop her writing voice, which is very encouraging.
The grocery owner
The grocery owner is the Russian man who, at some point, employs the narrator. While the narrator is working, she sneaks a copy of her book, Beyond Good and Evil, into the bosses' shelves. The narrator is naïve; she does not have the confidence to display her literary work. When the Russian man sees the copy, she complements the work, and the narrator is motivated to continue writing.
Mr. Burton
Mr. Burton is the narrator's class teacher during her school days. When Mr. Burton discovers a picture of himself and a description at the back of the narrator's book, he calls her for a discussion. The narrator feels scarred but finds the discussion helpful because the teacher encourages her to continue practicing until she becomes successful.
