True, that’s why it is called fiction. Sure, there are certainly some autobiographical elements, but based only on the actual words said by characters in a fictional novel, it would be patently unfair to assert that LIW was a “bad person,” or racist (not directing that comment at you). In LHOTP, the character of Laura is only supposed to be 4 or 5. It would not be believable that a child of that age could fully understand the implications of Ma’s attitudes, nor would a child raised to be submissive and obedient be able to effectively and passionately counter that POV.