- Janie Mae Crawford: The main character and granddaughter of a runaway slave. The plot revolves around her life and how she had to make difficult choices throughout life.
- Joe Starks: Janie's second husband and latter becomes mayor of a small town. Eventually Joe's power that comes with being mayor corrupts him and makes him want control in every aspect of his life, including Janie.
- Vergible Wood "Tea Cake": Janie's friend who latter becomes her third husband. In this marriage they both find real love with one another.
- Pheoby Watson: Janie's best friend. Pheoby is the one Janie describes her past too and explains her tough decisions.
- Nanny: Janie's grandmother who ran away from a plantation. Who know watches over Janie and raise her.
- Logan Killicks: Janie's first husband. Janie does not love Logan but is forced to marry him because he would be better able protect her than her Nanny.
- Johnny Taylor: The first boy Janie kissed.
- Hezekiah: Works in Joe and Janie's story. Hezekiah helps Janie out a lot when attending the store.
- Mis' Samuels: Landlady of the building Tea Cake and Janie stay in after their wedding.
- Nunkie: A girl who tries to get Tea Cake away from the group.
- Mrs. Turner: A busy body who openly speaks her mind no matter who it offends. Mrs. Turner also dislikes black people very much even though she keeps bringing up the topic.
- Mrs. Turner's son: The son of Mr. and Mrs. Turner.
- Annie Tyler: An old lady who lives in town.
- Who Flung: Towns person and scoundrel.
- Indians: A group of Indians were heading away from the storm.
Town people: Pearl Stone, Mrs. Sumpkins, Lulu Moss, Lige Moss, Sam, Lee Coker, Amos Hicks, Matt Bonners, Tony Taylor, Hambo, Pearson, Mrs. Bogle, Sam Watson, Jeff Bruce, Walter Tomas, Charlie Jones, Daisy Blunt, Tripp Crawford, Dave, Jim Weston, Lum, Mrs. Tony Robbins, Jim Stone, Steve Mixon, and Ike Green.
Friends of Tea Cake: Ed Dockery, Bootyny, Sop-de-Bottom, Gabe, Stew Beef, Motor Boat, Coodemay, Dick Sterrett, Muck Boy, and Gabriel.
By Tyler Osmonson