Janie Mae Crawford
Janie is the central character of the novel, and she seeks to defy stereotypes. And, while a strong and independent black female, she has strikingly ‘Caucasian-like straight hair’; a trait she has inherited as a result of her mixed ancestry. She further asserts herself by wearing overalls in an era where all women dressed in dresses. She is a confident and curious woman, she recognizes early on that those who are cruel to her are the way they are because they were raised with limited views of the world and not because they are intentionally mean.
Tea Cake
Tea Cake is the third husband to Janie, and her first true authentic love. She is twelve years his senior, but despite their notable age difference he attracts her with his quick wit and a desire for life. He appears to genuinely understand Janie, and cares for her deeply. Unlike her other suitors, Tea never attempts to try to make Janie someone she is not and shows her unprecedented respect. That being said, he is not an innocent man. Despite his affections for her, he did at one time beat her and rob her. It is these weaknesses, however, that position him as a real character, with real troubles and real tribulations.
Jody Starks
Jody is Janie’s second husband, a man that she once thought she loved. Janie follows Jody from Georgia to Eatonville in order to satisfy his desires to build a life of power and fortune. Jody is an experienced politician and businessman, he quickly becomes the town’s mayor, shop keeper, postmaster and most prominent landlord. However, he treats Janie like one of his possessions and does not show her the care and respect that a wife deserves. Their marriage survives two decades, but eventually falls apart.
Logan Killicks
Well-to-do, older farmer, Logan is the first husband of Janie. The two wed at the insistence of Janie’s grandmother, who feels strongly that financial security trumps love. Logan spoils Janie for nearly a year, but soon tries to get her to help on the farm. Janie begins to feel used and unloved and flees her marriage.
Pheoby Watson
Pheoby is Janie’s only true friend in Eatonville. She comes to Janie’s defense when the townspeople spread horrible rumors about her, and encourages Janie to tell her the truth. She serves as the audience for Janie’s story.
Nanny Crawford
Nanny raised Janie after her mother abandoned her. Her previous life as a slave has dampened her views of the world and led her to believe strongly that a woman must have financial security and strong social status in order to survive. Although she means well, and only wants the best for her granddaughter, her views and Janie’s own search for independence and personal growth clash early on.
Mr. and Mrs. Turner
The Turners live in the Everglades and operate a small restaurant. Mrs. Turner values her white features and looks poorly upon anyone with a strong African appearance. In fact, she praises Janie because of her white features and is unable to understand why Janie would ever marry a man as dark skinned as Tea. She wants to introduce her to her brother.
Sam Watson
Sam is Pheoby’s husband. He is an avid conversationalist and comes to the aid of Jody when the townspeople begin to regard their resentment for him.
Leafy Crawford
Leafy is Janie’s absent mother. She gave birth to Janie just before the end of the Civil War and abandoned her when she was only a newborn.
Amos Hicks
A resident of Eatonville, Amos is unsuccessful in his attempts to steal Janie from Jody.
Nunkie
Nunkie is a young woman from the Everglades. She is very flirtatious towards Tea Cake. However, after Tea reassures Janie that he only loves her, Nunkie is never mentioned in the novel again.