In the play, are there some people who abandon their close family members during hard times?

Yes, there are a number of people in the play who abandon their close family members in times of hardship. The most notable individual, in this case, is Natella Abwashili, widow of the late governor and mother to Michael, sole heir to the governor’s estate. She abandons Michael at childhood after her husband is killed and flees to a safe place. In fact, as she plans her escape, she shows no concern for her son’s safety and only bombards the maids with instructions about her gowns and other possessions to carry with her. It is her servant Grusha who rescues Michael and nurtures him, amidst much trouble that includes threats to her own life.
Grusha’s brother, Lavrenti, abandons her in her hour of need. After she flees, she takes refuge in Lavrenti’s household albeit a cold reception from his wife. He finally disposes of Grusha by arranging her marriage to an ailing and dying man called Jussup in order to safeguard his own marriage and comfort.
The governor’s own brother, the Fat Prince, is an integral part of the plot that led to the governor’s demise, paving way for him to take over power.
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