Lula Ann Bridewell
Lula Ann Bridewell is the protagonist of the novel. She grows up unloved by both parents as a result of her darker skin. She begins going by "Bride" after high school because she wants to sound less countrified. Bride is beautiful, but she is also self-centered, materialistic, and emotionally needy due to the events of her childhood. Bride still struggles severely with her upbringing, and it affects her actions as an adult.
Sweetness
Bride's mother who is light skinned with "good" hair. She is embarrassed by Bride's dark skin so she treats Bride cruelly, refusing to touch her, and making Bride call her "Sweetness" instead of mom or mother. She claims this is to prepare Bride for the racism she will face as a result of her skin color.
Booker Starbern
Bride's boyfriend whom she is obsessed with. He leaves her after what seems like a small fight, but Bride searches for him. The two have a rocky reunion, but eventually the pair reunite after learning more about each other. Bride is pregnant with Booker's child at the end of the novel.
Sofia Huxley
A prisoner who was arrested on charges of child molestation. Bride testified against Sofia at her trial, causing her to go to prison. However, Bride falsified her testimonial and lied about what Sofia did.
Louis Bridewell
Bride's father who assumes that Bride isn't his because of her dark skin. Eventually, he leaves Bride and her mother because of this assumption.
