It's Not All Downhill From Here

Loretha Curry is the novel’s protagonist and first-person narrator. Readers are privy to only Loretha’s thoughts and see the events through her eyes. An example of Loretha’s self-bias appears when she describes herself: “Even though I have my share of new wrinkles, which I prefer to call beauty marks, they’re hard to see since I’m dark brown, and I use good concealer to smooth them out” (8). McMillan portrays Loretha as a vain character concerned about how others will perceive her. Though physically vain, she cares about her family and ensures her loved ones are cared for.

Loretha primarily fulfills the caregiver archetype in the story’s events. She is generous to a fault, even to those who take advantage of her. When she discovers Peggy takes advantage of her, she claims she will no longer give Peggy money. However, when she hangs up the phone, she narrates how she “put five hundred dollars in there anyway. Just because” (269). She demonstrates this same generosity with Kwame, Cinnamon, and Jalecia when they are in need. The only time Loretha displays selfishness is when Odessa continually asks for a free apartment, and she declines Odessa’s request.