Ama

Ama is the mother of Lakshmi. She lives in a poor village in Nepal with her husband, her daughter, and her baby son. When Ama's first husband died, she quickly married her second husband, Lakshmi's stepfather. Though, he was unable to work because of his injured arm, she still served him like a typical Nepali woman, because men are in charge in their country.

Ama has a very close bond with her daughter. She often explains the way of the world to Lakshmi. Such as performing the ritual on her when Lakshmi has her first period, and explaining why women are worthless compared to men.

Ama gave birth to 6 children. Her first was Lakshmi, then her next 4 children all died before they were even a year old. Her 5th child, however, managed to live. So only her oldest and youngest managed to survive.

Although, Ama doesn't defy her husband, when he decides Lakshmi must go to the city to earn money to send back to them, she is heartbroken and cries when Lakshmi must leave.

She is unaware that her husband actually sold Lakshmi into prostitution. But Lakshmi manages to buy her a dress before she leaves.