Characters: Claudia

The naïvete with which Claudia experiences the world allows readers a rare glimpse into the mind of a young African American girl coming of age. Much surprises her. When Pecola comes to stay with the MacTeers temporarily because Cholly has set his family’s house on fire, Claudia cannot believe that a father could be so irresponsible as to put his own family outdoors: “Outdoors, we knew, was the real terror of life. . . . There is a difference...

Characters: Pauline and Cholly Breedlove

The narratives of Pauline and Cholly Breedlove help readers at least to understand their characters, even if it is difficult to empathize with them. Pauline is shown first as a young woman craving acceptance and love from her family and, when that is not possible, from Cholly. In the integrated North, acceptance comes only through resemblance to white people. When her rotten tooth undermines her attempt to fashion herself to white standards of...

Pecola Breedlove, the tragic protagonist of the novel, epitomizes the destructive impact of racial self-loathing. As an eleven-year-old black girl, she internalizes society’s disdain, deeply believing in her own ugliness. Pecola becomes obsessed with acquiring blue eyes, assuming that such a transformation would bring her the love and acceptance she desperately lacks. Her life is marred by consistent abuse and neglect, culminating in the trauma of being raped by her father, Cholly, which drives her into madness. This tragic event cements her belief in her invisibility without those blue eyes, leading her to seek a miraculous transformation from the deceitful Soaphead Church. Pecola's journey is a poignant illustration of the dangers of internalized racism and the societal pressures placed on black children to conform to white standards of beauty.

Frieda MacTeer, Claudia’s ten-year-old sister. She is the more knowledgeable, more mature, and more sophisticated sibling. Frieda knows what menstruation is and is able to explain to Pecola and Claudia that this change in a girl’s body permits her to have a baby, as long as the girl has “somebody to love” her. A woman-child, Frieda is the quintessential elder sister who makes most of the decisions about actions and activities she and Claudia undertake. She is also more judicious, knowing when to fight for the protection of another child and what to do when her own rights are about to be violated. Both Frieda and Claudia remain supportive and loyal to Pecola despite her misfortunes.

Micah Elihue Whitcomb, called Soaphead Church, a misanthropic odd old man who, despite his antipathy toward humankind, ironically works in professions designed to assist people. Soaphead, so called because of the texture of his hair, emigrated from the West Indies. He collects things and has a tortured family history that includes a brief marriage. Despite perverse sexual leanings (he is a pedophile), Soaphead was an Anglican priest; currently, he makes his living as a psychic reader or spiritual adviser and healer. In this capacity, it is Soaphead Church who, for a fee, grants Pecola’s wish for blue eyes by convincing her that she has them and subsequently writes a letter to God indicating why he took this action.

Maureen Peal is a new student whose arrival in town injects tension into the school environment. Her light skin and wealth make her the subject of envy and admiration, starkly contrasting with Pecola’s marginalized existence. Maureen's presence exacerbates the insecurities of others, including the MacTeer sisters, who oscillate between admiration and resentment. Although Maureen initially befriends Pecola, she ultimately turns against her, revealing the superficial nature of her affections and the divisive impact of colorism within the community.

The wholly unsympathetic behaviors of Geraldine and of Soaphead Church are painted against a backdrop of the past, also creating understanding, if not sympathy. Both are light-skinned people, a fact that allows them to dissociate themselves from their African roots, their sexuality, and their true natures. What results is an unfeeling woman who wishes sexual organs were located somewhere more convenient (such as the palm of the hand) so that bodies would not have to touch during intercourse, and a latent homosexual whose hygienic meticulousness leads him to pedophilia.

Junior is Geraldine's son, who internalizes his mother's disdain for their community. He is a troubled boy who seeks control and power in unhealthy ways, such as when he lures Pecola into his home to torment her. His actions reflect the emotional neglect he suffers at home and the skewed perception of race and identity instilled by his mother.

Mr. Henry is a boarder at the MacTeer household whose seemingly charming demeanor masks a predatory nature. Initially endearing himself to Claudia and Frieda, his true character is revealed when he molests Frieda, leading to his eviction. His actions highlight the vulnerability of young girls and the pervasive threat of exploitation they face within their community.

These three prostitutes operate from an apartment above the Breedloves, providing a semblance of familial warmth and acceptance to Pecola. Despite their societal marginalization, they offer Pecola kindness and companionship, which she lacks elsewhere. However, their own alienation and lifestyle inadvertently contribute to Pecola's skewed understanding of affection and value.

Sammy Breedlove, Pecola's older brother, copes with their tumultuous home life by frequently running away. His attempts to escape the chaos reflect his survival instincts and the emotional toll of living in a dysfunctional family environment. Sammy's absence underscores Pecola's isolation and lack of familial support.