Mary Rambos character functions similarly to Emmas. She is introduced in chapter twelve as the Invisible Man arrives in Harlem. While in a confused and weak state, the Invisible Man encounters Mary. She says, You take it easy, Ill take care of you like I done a heap of others, my names Mary Rambo, everybody knows me round this part of Harlem, you heard of me, aint you? (Ellison 252). The Invisible Man drifts into sleep and wakes up to find Mary sitting across the room. Mary works at the Mens House in Harlem and helps the Invisible Man. However, while she helps the Invisible Man through a period when he is lost, she is not a part of the narrative for more than a chapter. The way the Invisible Man uses Mary is clear when he narrates, I found her exceedingly irritating to listen to. Still, she never dunned me and was as generous with her servings of food during mealtime as ever. Its just hard times you going through, shed say. Everybody worth his salt has his hard times, and when you get to be somebody youll see these here very same hard times helped you a heap (Ellison 258)
. Marys character offers emotional support, housing, and comfort during the period in time when the Invisible Man seems to have lost his way. However, the Invisible Man doesnt think of Mary as anything special and even describes her as a sense of stability in his life. He says, Nor did I think of Mary as a friend; she was something more a force, a stable, familiar force&Mary reminded me constantly that something was expected of me, some act of leadership, some newsworthy achievement; and I was torn between resenting her for it and loving her for the nebulous hope she kept alive (Ellison 258). The Invisible Man does not enjoy Marys company or think anything special of her. Rather, she provides him with things he needs at a moment in time during which, he is vulnerable. She does nothing more than stroke his ego by instilling confidence back into him and helping him to get back on his feet. However, as soon as he feels he is ready to take on whatever comes his way, he does not think of her again. She is merely a blip on his radar and a small section in a chapter of the book.