It's Hard Out There for a... Black Woman in the Early 1900'sPoor Celie. She's got it tough straight through the first part of the book. She is purely a victim: She’s repeatedly raped by her fathe...

Nettie is the only character who loves Celie consistently and unconditionally throughout the entire novel. Because she loves Celie so strongly, Celie reciprocates the care. Their mutual love for ea...

Mr.__ (or Albert as he is occasionally called) may be a jerk for most of the book, but at least he changes. Mr.__ is one of the only male characters in this novel capable of reflection and personal...

Harpo has some issues. Naturally, he’s a really nice guy and enjoys domestic activities like cooking and taking care of the house. However, because society and his father’s behavior tell him th...

Sofia is the type of assertive woman that Celie is not. She won’t back down from a fight and if anybody picks on her, she beats them twice as hard as they give it to her. Celie admires this quali...

Shug is larger than life, and she sure does know how to love. Her problem is that she loves and keeps on loving, even when she adds other people to the mix. She has a weakness for people, and she k...

Olivia is Celie’s daughter who was raised by the Reverend Samuel and his wife Corrine.

Eleanor Jane is the mayor’s daughter who Sofia raises. Eleanor Jane is the only member of the mayor’s household that shows any kindness toward Sofia. Eventually, Eleanor Jane comes to s...