What is Sam like?

Sam is a black man in his mid-40s who waits tables and performs other duties at a tea room in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He has worked for Hally's mother for many years and has also served as a friend and confidant for Hally as he has grown up. Sam is intelligent but has little formal education, so he has soaked up knowledge from Hally's studies and enjoys debating with his young friend.

Sam is also an accomplished ballroom dancer and a mentor to Willie, who is around his age but less sophisticated. He advises Willie not only on improving his dance moves, but also on handling relationships. Even in the face of the unexpected racist tirade unleashed by Hally and the seemingly hopeless bigotry that pervades his country, Sam remains optimistic about the future of the world.