Celie

• Celie, the protagonist and narrator of "The Colour Purple", is a poor, uneducated, African-American woman who starts off as a victim of severe abuse.

• Despite the abuse, Celie possesses an innate kindness and immense survival instinct that help her to transcend the cruelty in her life.

• Through her relationship with Shug Avery, Celie learns about love and sexual pleasure, which in turn boosts her self-esteem and allows her to fight for her rights and respect.

• Celie ultimately becomes an entrepreneur, establishing her own business and thereby achieving financial independence.

Nettie

• Nettie is Celie's younger sister who resists the abusive behaviour presented in their environment.

• Nettie is better educated than Celie and becomes a teacher, embodying the importance of education as a source of personal growth and freedom.

• Nettie's correspondence with Celie throughout the novel offers critical insight into the African experience and the shared history of African and African-American people.

Mister/Albert

• Mister, also known as Albert, is initially portrayed as a cruel, dominating husband who treats Celie with little to no respect.

• Mister's influence gradually weakens as Celie gains strength and independence.

• Through his eventual remorse and attempts at redemption, Mister illustrates the potential for change, even in the most challenging characters.

Shug Avery

• Shug Avery, a blues singer, is initially described as a woman of loose morals, but she becomes a role model, friend, and lover to Celie.

• Shug's vibrant spirit, independence, and open-minded outlook on life contrast with the repressive society in which the characters live.

• Through her relationship with Celie, Shug models a women-centric world in which women support and love each other.

Sofia

• Sofia is a strong, independent woman who refuses to conform to societal norms of being subservient to men.

• Despite her strength, Sofia suffers greatly, illustrating the consequences of resisting societal norms.

• Through Sofia, the novel explores the themes of power and resistance, drawing attention to the oppression African-American women face.

Harpo

• Harpo, the son of Mister, initially attempts to exert dominance over his wife, Sofia, reflecting the societal notions of male dominance.

• Over time, influenced by Sofia and other strong women in his life, Harpo learns to respect and appreciate the strength of women, eventually rejecting the traditional gender roles.

• Harpo's transformation highlights the importance of challenging societal norms and embracing equality.