Celie
A young black Georgia girl who faces adulthood believing that she has been raped by her father and that he killed both of their babies. The novel examines her struggle to find love, self-esteem, and continuing courage despite harsh setbacks.
Nettie
Celie's sister. Celie loves Nettie more than anyone else in the world.
Fonso
Celie and Nettie's stepfather; shortly after their father is killed, he marries their widowed mother.
Mr. ________ / Albert
The moody, vicious man whom Fonso chooses as Celie's husband.
Celie's Mother
She loses her mind after her husband is lynched, mutilated, and burned. After she marries Fonso, she is constantly pregnant and ill.
Annie Julia
Albert's wife who is killed by her boyfriend while coming home from church.
Shug (Lilly) Avery
A blues singing, no-nonsense woman who teaches Celie about love and self-esteem.
Harpo
Albert's misguided, immature son; Sofia's husband.
Kate and Carrie
Albert's sisters who come to "inspect" Celie and her housekeeping.
Sofia
The outspoken and independent wife of Harpo.
Bub
Albert's son; he is in and out of jail frequently.
Albert's Daddy
A carping, prejudiced man; he dislikes Albert's relationship with Shug Avery.
Tobias
Albert's toadying brother; he is fascinated by Shug.
Odessa
Sofia's sister; she, Shug, and Squeak are able to get Sofia out of prison.
Jack
Odessa's husband.
Swain
Harpo's musician friend who helps Harpo build the jukejoint.
Henry ("Buster") Broadax
Sofia's boyfriend; he is tall and stocky, built like a prizefighter.
Squeak (Mary Agnes)
Harpo's girlfriend; she is a scatterbrained woman who begins to make a name for herself as a blues singer after she leaves Harpo.
