* Tom Joad: The protagonist of the novel, Tom is a young man recently released from prison who returns home to find his family facing eviction. He is strong, resourceful, and determined to protect his family.
* Ma Joad: The matriarch of the Joad family, Ma is a strong and resilient woman who holds the family together during their hardships. She is deeply religious and believes in the power of love and compassion.
* Pa Joad: The patriarch of the Joad family, Pa is a hardworking farmer who struggles to cope with the changing times. He is initially resistant to leaving their home, but eventually accepts the need for change.
* Rose of Sharon: Tom's sister, Rose of Sharon is a young and beautiful woman who struggles with the harsh realities of the journey westward. She becomes a symbol of hope and resilience.
* Jim Casy: A former preacher who has lost his faith but still believes in the goodness of humanity. He becomes a close friend and mentor to Tom and the Joads, and ultimately sacrifices his life for them.
* Granma Joad: The grandmother of the family, Granma is a strong and independent woman who provides wisdom and guidance to her family.
* Grandpa Joad: The grandfather of the family, Grandpa is a frail and aging man who dies during the journey westward.
Other important characters:
* Casy's family: The Joads are not the only family leaving Oklahoma. Casy's family also joins the exodus, facing similar hardship and loss.
* The Okies: A term used to refer to the migrants from Oklahoma, many of whom are poor and desperate to find work in California.
* The California landowners: These wealthy and often ruthless landowners exploit the Okie migrants for cheap labor.
* The truck drivers: These drivers often exploit the migrants by charging exorbitant prices for transportation.
* The police: The police often enforce the laws that oppress the migrants.
The characters in *The Grapes of Wrath* are not simply individuals but rather represent larger groups and social forces. The Joad family is a symbol of the resilience and strength of the American working class, while the California landowners represent the forces of greed and exploitation.