Was Charles really so bad?
1) His girlfriend was fine and light-skinned. If I was a wealthy lawyer like Charles and I had to choose between Helen, the older, dark skinned wife and Brenda, the younger, light skinned lady with good hair, I'd feel entitled to an upgrade. Besides, Brenda was the mother of his children.
2) Helen is related to Madea. That fact alone should be sufficient grounds for divorce.