Character guide

Darl Bundren

major

Also known as Darl, Darl Pa, Pa

Second son of Anse Bundren, introspective and often narrates the journey.

Jewel Bundren

major

Also known as Jewel

Addie's favorite son, fiercely protective and impulsive.

Cash Bundren

major

Also known as Cash, Vardaman Cash, Lucky Cash

Eldest son, a skilled carpenter focused on building Addie's coffin.

Anse Bundren

major

Also known as Anse Bundren, A Bundren, Anse, Poor Anse

Patriarch of the Bundren family, determined to bury his wife in Jefferson.

Addie Bundren

major

Also known as Addie, Addie Bundren, Bundren

Deceased matriarch whose body is transported to Jefferson for burial.

Dewey Dell Bundren

major

Also known as Dewey Dell, Dell, Dewey Dell Bundren

Only daughter of the Bundrens, secretly pregnant and seeking an abortion.

Vardaman Bundren

major

Also known as Vardaman

Youngest Bundren child, confused by his mother's death.

Vernon Tull

supporting

Also known as Vernon, Vernon Tull, Tull, Mr. Tull

Neighbor and friend of the Bundrens, often helps with the journey.

Cora Tull

supporting

Also known as Cora, Cora Tull

Vernon's wife, a pious and gossipy neighbor.

Peabody

supporting

Also known as Doctor Peabody, Peabody mought

The local doctor who attends Addie on her deathbed.

Moseley

supporting

A drugstore clerk in Mottson who refuses to help Dewey Dell.

Armstid

supporting

Also known as Armstid, Mrs. Armstid

Farmer who shelters the Bundrens overnight during the journey.

Samson

minor

Also known as Samson, Mr. Samson

Farmer who briefly hosts the Bundrens and observes their odd behavior.

Whitfield

supporting

Also known as Whitfield, Brother Whitfield

Minister and Addie's former lover, ridden with guilt.

Lafe

minor

Man who impregnated Dewey Dell, mentioned but not seen on page.

Gillespie

minor

Also known as Gillespie, Mr. Gillespie

Farmer whose barn burns down during the Bundrens' stop.

MacGowan

minor

Drugstore clerk in Jefferson who takes advantage of Dewey Dell.

Quick

minor

Also known as Quick, Lon Quick, old Lon Quick, Big Lon, little Lon

Neighbor who helps with the Bundrens' journey.

Rachel

minor

Samson's wife, distressed by the Bundrens' treatment of Addie's body.

Uncle Billy

minor

Also known as Uncle Billy, Billy

An old man encountered during the journey.

Jody

minor

Son of the Tulls, briefly mentioned.

Kate

minor

Cora Tull's daughter, helps with household tasks.

Eula

minor

A woman mentioned in passing by characters.

Mack

minor

A man encountered during the Bundrens' travels.

Albert

minor

A neighbor or acquaintance mentioned briefly.

Mrs. Tull

minor

Also known as Mrs. Tull

Vernon Tull's mother, mentioned in passing.

Mrs. Bundren

minor

Also known as Mrs. Bundren

Anse's mother, mentioned but not appearing.

Littlejohn

minor

Owner of the bridge near the Bundren farm.

Grummet

minor

A man who helps retrieve Cash's tools from the river.

Skeet

minor

A minor character mentioned during the journey.