The Characters

Sethe-

Mother of Denver, Crawling-alreadygirl?, Buglar, and Howard and wife of Halle. Guilt and terrifying memories begin to wear her down over time and seclusion. Murdered own daughter and former slave.

Beloved-

Thought to be the reincarnated daughter that Sethe had murdered to save from slavery. Came to 124 asleep on a stump after coming out of the water. Acts like an infant and may represent collective memory of community. 

Denver-

Sethe's youngest daughter who, through entire book, experiences the most change as she develops from strange and immature to grown independent young woman.

Paul D-

Former slave at Sweet Home, and also prisoner. Begins relationship with Sethe in which they reveal past together.

Baby Suggs-

Former slave at Sweet Home bought out of it by her son Halle, she was an undeclared preacher and the grandmother to Sethe's children. Died when Denver was ten.

Stamp Paid-

Slave that felt he paid his debts when he gave his wife to his master's son. Renamed himself Stamp Paid as opposed from Joshua. He also helped to deliver fugitive slaves across Ohio River, such as Sethe.

Lady Jones-

Teacher and also aided Denver in finding a job and support with food in the time of need.

Mr. Garner-

Former Master at Sweet Home, pleasant slave owner who considered his workers, men, and not slaves.With his death Schoolteacher arrived to save farm.

Mrs. Garner-

Wife of original Sweet Home master, gave Sethe her 'diamonds' and eventually got a lump in her throat and couldn't take care of plantation any more so she got Schoolteacher to help.

Schoolteacher-

Relative to the Garner's and taught students, he taught his nephews that slaves were animals or no more than livestock- enforced harsh punishment and hard times at Sweet Home.

Ella-

Had been locked up in a room by a whiteman and his son, she aids Sethe in getting to 124 but also stands aside when Schoolteacher comes for her. In the end she comes to help drive Beloved out of 124.

the Bodwins-

Brother and sister who help slaves get a new start after debts have been paid for. They despise slavery and offer Denver a job at end of novel.

Halle-

Father of Denver, Crawling-alreadygirl?, Howard, and Buglar, and husband of Sethe. After seeing Sethe's milk stolen and her beaten while pregnant he loses his mind, although up until that point he was seen as one of the nicest men at Sweet Home.

Sixo-

Slave at Sweet Home that when trying to escape he was captured and burned and then shot, before death he laughed and screamed "Seven-O"

Amy Denver-

White girl helped Sethe while she delivered Denver, thus Denver's name, and took care of Sethe before she went to Boston for velvet.