Jefferson Campbell

At the heart of the story, the narrative shifts focus from Melanctha’s life to the emotions and experiences of Jeff Campbell, a young doctor whose relationship with Melanctha forms the core of the tale. At first, Jeff represents values that starkly contrast with Melanctha's: he believes in a world defined by clear distinctions between good and evil, has well-defined ambitions, and values traditional family life. However, he undergoes the most significant transformation in the story, moving from this initial stance to understanding the importance of raw emotion and experience. Through his relationship with Melanctha, he endures a painful journey of loss and discovery, primarily losing his initial certainty as he realizes he cannot fully understand or communicate with the woman he loves. Jeff is also the story’s only undeniably compassionate character, often described as “good and strong and gentle and very intellectual.” Many critics have noted that Jeff is a character inspired by Stein herself.

Father

See James Herbert

Jane Harden

Jane Harden, a close friend and mentor to Melanctha during her teenage years, is both intelligent and strong-willed but struggles with alcoholism. With her vast experience, Jane educates Melanctha about “wandering” and dealing with men. There is also an implied sexual tension in their relationship. Jane’s criticism of Melanctha following the end of their friendship contributes to the first conflict between Jeff and Melanctha.

James Herbert

James Herbert, Melanctha’s father, is mostly absent from their home, appearing primarily when he is angry with his daughter. Despite their conflicts, the narrator attributes Melanctha’s “power” to him. This power seems connected to race, as he is described as Melanctha’s “robust and unpleasant and very unendurable black father.”

Melanctha Herbert

Melanctha Herbert stands as the focal character in this narrative, which details the fundamental events and emotional experiences she undergoes. According to Jeff Campbell, Melanctha possesses two distinct "sides." Initially, we encounter her as Melanctha, the caregiver: "patient, submissive, soothing, and untiring," a role she fulfills for both Rose Johnson and her mother. However, her caregiving is not persuasive, especially in her relationship with her mother, as it appears devoid of genuine affection. Despite this, she has an inherent "sweetness" that attracts others to her. Her other side remains elusive, both to the other characters and to us as readers, largely due to the narrator's ongoing ambiguity. Described as "complex" and "subtle," she spends much of her life "wandering" in pursuit of some form of "wisdom" or "knowledge." This "wandering" symbolizes Melanctha's quest to fulfill an unnamed longing, which sometimes suggests sexuality, freedom, emotional development, or the need for nurturing and comfort. She shows signs of depression, most notably through persistent despair and frequent threats of suicide. The narrator hints that Melanctha’s intense emotions might stem from her intrinsic nature—linked to the "power" of her father’s character and the "complexity" of her mother’s—or from growing up in a loveless environment. The enigma surrounding her character has permitted readers to interpret her in various ways; literary critics, for instance, have viewed her as a victim, a rebel, and a representation of certain psychological concepts.

Mis Herbert

Melanctha’s mother, Mis Herbert, is portrayed as intricate, challenging to comprehend, and "sweetappearing"—traits she shares with her daughter. Despite these similarities, she shows minimal affection towards Melanctha. The narrator occasionally suggests that this lack of love may have played a role in Melanctha’s pervasive unhappiness. Yet, Melanctha attends to Mis Herbert on her deathbed, an act that strengthens Melanctha’s bond with Jeff Campbell.

Jeff

Refer to Jefferson Campbell.

Jeff’s father

In contrast to Melanctha’s father, Jeff’s father is depicted as ideally supportive and responsible. Having...