THE COLOR PURPLE

Kathleen Kohler Scott Douglas Magy Dormichev

INTRODUCTION
1930s, but follows story line for a few decades
Georgia
Black family
Structured as a series of letter To God, To the main
character, etc.

CHARACTERS
Celie Main character. Story follows her. A young woman who has suffered abuse
all her life first at the hands of her father, then later at the hands of the man
whom she was married off to.
Nettie Celies sister and one of her few meaningful relationships. Always the
favored child in her fathers eyes. Celies husband was originally her suitor, but her
father forbid their marriage because he believed Nettie to be too good for him.
Mr. Celies husband and Netties old suitor. His last wife is deceased. Violently
abusive towards Celie. As a father, he is never there for his children, and when he
is, he beats them, too. Only married Celie so he had somebody to clean his home.
Shug Avery The lounge singer whom Mr. had an affair with. She is beautiful and
talented. Eventually moves in with Mr. and Celie and becomes a maternal figure for
her.
Harpo Mr.s son. Similar to his father in how he treats his wife.
Sophia Harpos wife. She is pregnant with his son.