Esther Greenwood The "I" of The Bell Jar.
Buddy Willard Esther's boyfriend, the son of one of her mother's friends. Buddy is a student at Yale; he plans to be a doctor.
Doreen The glamorous, sexy, fiction contest winner from the South. She and Esther meet in New York City, where Doreen tries to help Esther with clothes and men.
Jay Cee Editor of Ladies' Day magazine; she is Esther's boss in New York City. Jay Cee is somewhat dowdy, but a competent professional woman.
Betsy The Ladies' Day winner from the Midwest. Bright and ingenuous, Betsy becomes a model. As Esther's "innocent" friend, Betsy lends her a skirt and blouse for Esther's trip home.
Gladys Waitress on the Cape. Buddy Willard has an affair with her.
Lenny Shepherd New York disc jockey who dresses like a cowboy. He seduces Doreen.
Frankie Friend of Lenny.
Elly Higginbottom Esther's New York pseudonym, used at such times as her excursion to Lenny's, when she wishes to be incognito.
Esther's Grandfather He works at a country club and introduces Esther to caviar and vichyssoise. He jokes that he will supply all the caviar she can eat for Esther's wedding.
Hilda A tall, green-eyed girl, one of the fashion contest winners; she makes startling hats.
Esther's Mother Mrs. Greenwood teaches shorthand and typing to support the family after Esther's father dies.
Mr. Manzi Teaches physics and chemistry at Esther's college.
Philomena Guinea Esther's patroness, a wealthy novelist whose first book is made into a silent film starring Bette Davis.
Constantin A simultaneous interpreter for the UN. Mrs. Willard gives him Esther's phone number.
Socrates and Attila Men with interesting names that Esther has "collected."
Mrs. Willard Buddy's mother. She has a college degree but spends most of her time housekeeping. She has many theories on relationships between men and women.
Joan Gilling A sporting girl from Esther's hometown who has dated Buddy. She hangs herself after a brief period in a mental hospital.
Will A third-year medical student who thinks that Esther shouldn't watch a baby being born.
Jody Esther's best (and only) girl friend in college.
Eric A boy whom Esther comforts when his girl friend jilts him. She thinks she'd like to go to bed with him.
Mr. Willard Buddy's father. A shy economics professor, married to Mrs. Willard. He takes Esther to the Adirondacks to visit Buddy.
Marco A Peruvian who assaults Esther on their first date.
