The Grapes of Wrath Characters 1

Tom Joad is the main character in the novel The Grapes of Wrath. He is also the protagonist in the story. Tom is a very thoughtful person and even though he killed a man, he does not live with a guilty conscience. He lives in the present day always. Because he lives this way, it helps the family worry less and stay positive. Tom is loved and respected by his family and is very moral throughout the book. Ma Joad is another respected character. Ma excepts her role in the family and like Tom she stays up beat and optimistic throughout their journey.

Unlike Ma Joad, Pa Joad feels out of place in his weaker position while in California. He leans on Ma Joad for strength while trying to find steady work. Pa is very kind and also very respected. Another character that is very important in the novel is former preacher Jim Casey. Casey decided to stop preaching because of his belief that the whole human experience is holy. (Steinbeck, 24) He helps the Joad family out alot and even gets arrested for a fight that broke out between laborers and the California police. He also helps organize with the migrant workers.

Rose of Sharon is the Joad's oldest daughter. She is a helpless romantic and sometimes impractical. Rose of Sharon and her husband Connie are expecting their first child. They both have dreams of settling down in California and becoming a cute little family.But when the harsh reality of life sets in, Connie abandons Rose of Sharon and the baby. (Steinbeck, 277) Later after being in California for awhile, Rose of Sharon has her child, but it is stillborn. I think Rose of Sharon grew up and matured alot throughout the book.

Another Joad sibling is Al Joad. Al Joad is Tom's younger brother. The only thing he is interested in is cars and girls and although very cocky, he looks up to his older brother Tom. However, by the end of the novel he decides to stay with the women he loves and becomes his own man.

Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Penguin, 2002. Print.