Becoming

Barack meets Michelle as an intern at her law firm. Barack is seemingly Michelle’s opposite: He is disorganized, balks at tradition and custom, and believes in following his passion and letting things like financial security take care of themselves. Yet Barack’s intelligence and true belief in the possibility of making the world a better place soon win over Michelle’s heart and convince her to pursue a different career path. Barack’s passion soon drives him to run for politics, where he eventually becomes President of the United States of America. Michelle witnesses firsthand Barack’s work ethic, his commitment to making the country a better, more inclusive place, and his true concern for the American people. Though Barack is often overwhelmed with work, he and Michelle make a commitment to devote time and care to their two daughters and to their relationship, overcoming obstacles that help to draw them closer together along the way.

Fraser is Michelle’s father, a gregarious, hardworking man who always puts his family first. Fraser has multiple sclerosis, which makes his life debilitating as he grows older, though he refuses to talk about his disease, preferring to focus on things like sports, community politics, his beloved car, and his children. Fraser works hard to provide for his family and encourage his children to pursue a better life, often at the expense of his own comforts. Though Michelle appreciates the sacrifices her father makes for the family, Fraser’s unwillingness to acknowledge his disease allows it to progress unhindered, and it eventually claims his life.  

Marian is Michelle’s mother, a hardworking, no-nonsense woman who raises her children to be practical and driven. Michelle remembers her mother as calm and competent, seeming to know what to do in any situation. Marian puts her career on hold to raise her children, then works hard after they are grown to afford the extras in life so her children won’t miss out on anything. After Barack becomes President, Marian reluctantly moves to the White House to give her grandchildren a sense of normalcy, though she famously avoids the limelight and stays down to earth by washing her own laundry, refusing security detail, and coming and going as she pleases.

Craig is Michelle’s older brother, one of her early heroes in life. Craig is outgoing, charming, and seems to make friends wherever he goes, from the streets of Chicago to Princeton. Michelle adores Craig and tries her best to follow in his footsteps, relying on his advice and support throughout some of the big changes in her life.

Malia is the eldest daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama. Eight years old when Barack begins running for president, Malia essentially grows up in the spotlight, many of her formative years spent in the White House. Despite this, Malia does her best to stay grounded and interact with her peers like a typical child.

Natasha “Sasha” Obama is the youngest daughter of Barack and Michelle Obama. Like Malia, Sasha spends most of her young life under the intense scrutiny of the public eye as the daughter of the President of the United States.

Robbie is Michelle’s great-aunt who owns the house in which Michelle grows up. An exacting piano teacher, Robbie begins giving lessons to a young Michelle, and the two butt heads when Michelle refuses to follow her instructions. Michelle learns a lot from Robbie, who might not always see eye-to-eye with her but who Michelle knows will always be there to help her when she really needs it.

Southside is Michelle’s grandfather, nicknamed because he calls the South Side of Chicago home. Having been raised in the Jim Crow era, Southside distrusts white people and worries about what might happen to his children and grandchildren. Southside also imbues Michelle with a deep love of music, introducing her to jazz through his treasured record collection.