The Help

Aibileen Clark, a middle-aged African American maid, struggles with the recent loss of her only son. Devastated by his death, she reflects on her life of raising white children while balancing her grief.

Eugenia 'Skeeter' Phelan returns to her family's plantation after graduating from the University of Mississippi. Upon her return, she discovers that her beloved childhood maid, Constantine, has mysteriously quit.

Skeeter begins her career as a 'homemaker hints' columnist for the local newspaper. This job eventually leads her to reach out to Aibileen for help in answering domestic questions.

Hilly Holbrook proposes the 'Home Help Sanitation Initiative', which seeks to create separate toilets for African American maids. Skeeter is disturbed by this initiative and begins to question her friends' attitudes toward their maids.

After overhearing Hilly's discriminatory remarks, Aibileen realizes that the children she has raised are learning racism from their parents. This sparks her willingness to share her stories with Skeeter.

Minny Jackson, Aibileen's best friend, is fired by Hilly after a misunderstanding leads to her using the bathroom during a storm. The incident puts Minny in a precarious situation as she struggles to find new work.

Determined to take care of her family, Aibileen helps Minny secure a job with Celia Foote, an outcast from high society. The respect and kindness shown by Celia provide a safe haven for Minny.

Skeeter writes a draft of her book, incorporating the stories of Aibileen and Minny. She sends it to an editor at Harper & Row, who suggests more contributions are needed for the book to be viable.

The assassination of Medgar Evers sends shockwaves through Jackson, Mississippi, igniting racial tensions. This event prompts more maids to come forward and share their stories for Skeeter's book.

Minny shares her revenge story, dubbed the 'Terrible Awful,' with Skeeter and Aibileen. She recounts how she baked a pie with feces in it to prank Hilly as an act of defiance for her unfair treatment.

Skeeter learns the truth about what happened to Constantine from her mother. She discovers that Constantine was fired during a reception and later died in Chicago, leaving Skeeter with unresolved feelings.

The book, highlighting the experiences of African American maids, is accepted for publication and becomes a success. Skeeter shares her royalties with each maid who contributed their stories.

After the book's success, Skeeter receives a job offer from a publishing company in New York City. This opportunity promises to further her career as a writer and advocate for equality.

Hilly plots to have Aibileen dismissed by falsely accusing her of theft. Despite Elizabeth's attempts to defend her, Aibileen is forced to leave, and her departure devastates young Mae Mobley.

As Aibileen leaves her job, Mae Mobley cries out for her, showcasing the bond they shared. Aibileen walks away to start a new chapter in her life, symbolizing both loss and hope for change.