The Mother · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Mother by Pearl S. Buck.
The Mother
major
Also known as the mother, Mother, herself, hers
Central character and narrator, a devoted mother navigating family struggles.
The Man
major
Also known as the man, yourself, myself, your
Key male figure, likely the husband or father, central to the mother's life.
The Woman
supporting
Also known as the woman, herself, hers
Recurring female character, possibly a relative or neighbor.
The Old Mother
supporting
Also known as the old mother, its, your
Elderly matriarch, likely the mother's mother or mother-in-law.
The Elder Son
supporting
Also known as the elder son, himself, your
Older son of the mother, involved in family dynamics.
The Young Man
supporting
Also known as the young man, your
Younger male character, possibly a son or suitor.
The Young Girl
supporting
Also known as the young girl, herself, hers
Young female character, likely a daughter or ward.
Some Stranger
minor
Also known as some stranger who wrote to tell the news
Anonymous figure who delivers news via letter.
Li The First
minor
Also known as Li
Named character, possibly a family member or local figure.
Cousin
minor
Also known as your
A cousin of the mother or another character.
Child
minor
Also known as your
A child character, possibly the mother's youngest.