The Cast of Characters

The Cast of Characters was created by Julia Meister.

In Order of Appearance

Janie Mae Crawford

Janie pursues true love, following her instincts. Narrating her own story in the novel, she explores her identity while striving for independence and fulfillment. She learns from her experiences alongside Logan Killicks, Joe Starks, and Tea Cake, and eventually finds meaning in her life.

Pheoby Watson

Janie’s best friend and confidante in Eatonville. The novel consists of Janie narrating her story Pheoby, who is willing to listen and offer advice.

Johnny Taylor

Gives a sixteen-year old Janie her first kiss. He delights her naïve and dreamy ideal of love. This event prompts Nanny to contrive Janie’s marriage to Logan Killicks. 

Nanny

Born into slavery, Nanny raised her granddaughter, Janie. She prioritizes Janie’s protection and security over love. She does not want Janie to be limited by racial prejudice, but to have respectability and pride. She arranges Janie’s marriage to Logan Killicks.

Logan Killicks 

Janie’s first husband works a large plot of land and is financially stable. His dry personality holds no love for Janie and she does not love him in return. He regards Janie as spoiled and lazy, and criticizes her family.

Joe Starks

Known also as Jody, he impresses Janie with his unique and stylish appearance, convincing her to leave Logan Killicks. Together, they move to Eatonville where he becomes mayor, postmaster, landlord, and storekeeper. His quest for ultimate control leads him to forgo Janie to satisfy his own happiness, which leaves him pitiful and friendless.

Sam Watson

Pheoby’s husband joins in conversation on Joe Starks’ Eatonville store porchfront. He is portrayed as sensible and wise, and shows respect for both Joe and Janie.

Tea Cake

Known also as Vergible Woods, Tea Cake is Janie’s third husband and only true love. Twelve years her younger, he treats Janie fairly, protects her, and encourages her to be herself. While he is not without faults, he shows Janie what genuine love is.

Annie Tyler

An object of scandal in Eatonville, a widowed Annie sacrificed her security to run off with a younger man - Who Flung. Soon after, he fled with her money and dignity, leaving her broken and penniless. Janie is warned that her relationship with Tea Cake could end up similarly.

Mrs. Turner

A vain and disapproving cook in the Everglades, Mrs. Turner frowns upon blacks and strives to be separate from those of a darker color than herself. She clings to Janie because of her fair complexion, but shuns Tea Cake, advising Janie to leave him and marry her brother.