Sammy

Sammy, the nineteen-year-old checkout clerk at the A&P supermarket, serves as the first-person narrator of the story. His character is a complex blend of cynicism and romanticism, reflecting the conflicting emotions and perspectives of adolescence. Throughout the narrative, Sammy's language paints him as observant and critical of the world around him. He sardonically notes the presence of "about twenty-seven old freeloaders" working on a sewer main up the street and questions the purpose of a "bum" in "baggy gray pants" buying "four giant cans of pineapple juice." Yet, when Queenie, the leader of the trio of girls, approaches him, he is struck by her "prim look" as she extracts a folded dollar bill from "the hollow at the center of her nubbled pink top," an action he finds "so cute."

This vacillation between sharp observation and tender appreciation underscores Sammy's internal conflict. He refers to certain customers as "houseslaves in pin curlers," yet displays a deep sensitivity when Lengel, the store manager, makes Queenie blush, causing Sammy to feel "scrunchy inside." The culmination of Sammy's narrative arc occurs when he decides to quit his job, an impulsive act meant to defend the girls against Lengel's reprimand. This decision is both a rebellion against societal constraints and an attempt to play the hero, although it goes unnoticed by Queenie and her friends, who leave the store unaffected by his gesture.

Sammy's resignation marks a pivotal moment of self-awareness and an epiphany about the real-world consequences of his decisions. He recognizes that "how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter" if he continues to defy societal norms. His choice to leave symbolizes a break from conforming to expectations, yet it is a choice loaded with consequences. If Sammy continues to act on principle without considering practicality, he faces a future fraught with challenges. His immediate concern is finding a new job, with the potential for being labeled a troublemaker by his community. Sammy's narrative thus explores themes of choice, consequence, and the assertion of individuality, making his journey a poignant reflection on the complexities of coming of age.

Queenie

"Queenie," a nickname bestowed by Sammy, is the captivating leader of the trio of girls who attract attention by entering the A&P in their bathing suits. She commands Sammy's fascination from the moment she enters, exuding a regal yet tantalizing aura. Her appearance, with straps tantalizingly slipped off her shoulders, is described with an objectifying gaze by Sammy, who is smitten by her beauty. To him, Queenie represents a world of sophistication and privilege, a world he imagines filled with backyard swimming pools and fancy hors d'oeuvres.

When Lengel confronts Queenie and her friends about their attire, her poise falters, revealing her vulnerability. Sammy perceives her reaction as a reminder of the disparity between her world and the more mundane reality of the A&P, which "must look pretty crummy" from her perspective. Although Sammy's subsequent decision to quit in protest is aimed at supporting the girls, Queenie seems oblivious to his gesture, leaving the store without acknowledging his act of defiance. Her exit underscores the futility of Sammy's romanticized heroism, as well as the harsh reality that his actions hold little significance in her life.

The girls' presence and attire challenge the community's standards, leading to an encounter with authority represented by Lengel. This confrontation serves as a lesson in societal conformity and the consequences of stepping outside accepted norms. While Queenie and her friends retreat quietly, suggesting they might conform more closely to societal expectations in the future, Sammy's choice to rebel highlights a refusal to accept these constraints. Queenie's character thus embodies the allure and complexity of adolescent infatuation, juxtaposed against the rigid structures of adult society.

Lengel

Lengel, the A&P manager, epitomizes the rigid enforcer of societal norms and policies. His character represents the established order: management, policy, decency, and the social codes that dictate behavior. Lengel spends much of his time behind the "Manager" door, yet he emerges into the narrative near its conclusion to challenge the girls' immodest attire. He chooses to confront them publicly, enforcing the store's dress code as a reflection of the era's expectations.

Despite his adherence to rules, Lengel is not without depth. He has known Sammy's parents for many years, and when Sammy impulsively resigns, Lengel advises him against such a rash decision, expressing genuine concern for Sammy's future hardships. Lengel tells Sammy that his actions will lead to difficulties, warning him of the potential repercussions. He exhibits patience and an understanding of the consequences, yet he remains committed to upholding the store's policies.

Lengel's decision to address the girls could have been avoided, as they were already in the checkout line and he could have easily ignored them. However, he opts to impose the social standards of the time, expecting compliance and agreement from his staff and customers alike. Ironically, Lengel's enforcement leads to Sammy's unexpected resignation, demonstrating the unforeseen impact of rigidly adhering to societal expectations. Lengel's character thus serves as a foil to Sammy's rebellious nature, illustrating the tension between conformity and individuality within the framework of societal norms.

Stokesie

Stokesie, Sammy's coworker at the A&P, offers a glimpse into what Sammy's future might hold should he choose to follow a conventional path. At twenty-two, Stokesie is married with two children, already entrenched in a life of domesticity. He works alongside Sammy at the checkout, sharing an interest in observing the girls who disrupt the monotony of their workday.

Though he has little significant action in the narrative, Stokesie serves as a point of comparison for Sammy. Sammy notes that Stokesie's family "is the only difference" between them, suggesting that Stokesie represents a potential path for Sammy—a future bound by routine and responsibility. Stokesie's presence highlights the choices Sammy faces as he stands on the brink of adulthood, weighing the allure of individuality and rebellion against the security of conformity.

Stokesie's reaction to the girls mirrors Sammy's interest, yet he remains rooted in the expectations of his role and obligations. His character underscores the broader theme of individualism versus societal norms, a central conflict in Sammy's journey of self-discovery. Stokesie's life, though seemingly stable, serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of yielding to societal expectations without question.