Character Description

Sylvia, Sonny's mother seems to be a distant type of mother. Especially to Sonny. He has learned to basically raise himself without the guidence of her. Sylvia cares alot about the way she looks. She always wants to look her best for others. "It seemed to me she was wearing another new dress, and she was smelling washed and bath-oiled and lotioned and misted, and the high heels were glossier and redder thean her lipstick."(76 Gilb) Her mentality you could say is not very mature because she would fight alot with her dauughter. "My mom used to fight loud with my sister. She would get so she'd go after Ceci with belts or wooden hangers or whatever was near." (5 Gilb) Ceci left once she was old enough.                           
Through out the novel Sylvia seems to concern about Sonny when she needs something. She tries to make it seem like she is thinking about him and probably half of her is and the other is concerned about herself. Like when she told him about Cloyd and the painting of the sign not being finished. She wants Sonny to be happy living at the apartment with Cloyd but it doesnt even seem like she likes it very much either. Its all a show she has put on. A show for Sonny, Cloyd, and herself. "...and she was trying too hard to sound happy. Nobody'd believe her except her." (17 Gilb)
Sylvia is in and out of relationships. And qute frankly i wouldnt doubt it that she has maybe met someone else. Maybe thats we dont always know where she is at or where she is going. All we know is that she is there to make Cloyd dinner and look like a hot Mexican housewife. Who knows how long her and Sonny will last there with Cloyd. "Im bored" she said. (72 Gilb)