Mammy had more common sense than all the white characters put together.
Or any other color, for that matter.
The novel is rich in supporting characters. Mammy, Dilcey, Pork, Uncle Peter, Belle Watling, Aunt Pittypat, India and Honey Wilkes, the Tarletons, Dr. Meade, the triumvate of women in Atlanta: Mrs. Merriweather, Mrs. Meade, Mrs. Elsing, Will Benteen, etc. The list goes on. All so richly drawn and complete.