In the Heart of the Country

Main Characters and Their Development

• Magda - the protagonist and narrator, living on an isolated farm in South Africa. She suffers from loneliness and alienation, leading to her gradual mental and emotional breakdown. Her inner world is full of contradictions and fantasies, reflecting her struggle with reality and her own demons.
• Magda's Father - a patriarchal and authoritative farmer, whose relationship with his daughter is complex and strained. His actions and attitude towards Magda play a key role in her internal conflict and the development of the plot.
• Hendrik - a black worker on the farm who becomes a central figure in Magda's life. His relationships with her and her father highlight the social and racial tensions existing in society.
• Anna - Hendrik's wife, who is also involved in complex relationships with Magda and her father. Her presence adds an additional layer to the dynamics of power and dependency on the farm.