Together they play the role of "the white man", on whom Rannie depends and whom Sarah hates. In stormy weather, the postman should do everything possible to find a doctor for a poor black woman. It is in him that Rannie places all her trust; he falsifies his hope. She is indeed idealistic at the beginning of the story, but by the end, her idealism runs out when he fails to show up. From Rannie's point of view, they both play anti-heroes. An antihero is “a protagonist who clearly lacks one or more of the usual attributes of a traditional hero, namely bravery, skill, idealism, sense of purpose” (K&G). Neither the postman nor the doctor exhibits the characteristics of a hero. The postman claims that they will “do what they can,” but when Rannie touches him, he “[cringes] at the thought that she had laid her hands on him” (Walker 4). His grimaces demonstrate his malicious looks towards Rannie. He tells her that he will try to help her, but his actions prove otherwise. As Rannie pleads and begs for help, he “quickly rolled up the window and ran out into the road” (Walker 4). It's clear he has no intention of hearing what Rannie has to say. His hasty departure is not portrayed in an eager to help manner, but rather in a vicious manner. He strives to get out of the situation as quickly as possible. Whatever their possible feelings