Marie is the younger sister of Marcel Ste. Marie and her skin is of such a light color that she could pass for a white woman. It is this trait that has made her so desirable among the young gentlemen of color, while it is this trait that makes her so loathed by her own mother. Marie is always put second to the needs of her brother. If it were not for her two aunts, Colette and Louisa, Marie would have not been presented as available to court even when she had become of age.