1. Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan: Skeeter is a young, white woman from a prominent family in Jackson, Mississippi, during the 1960s. She serves as the primary narrator of the story. Through her point of view, readers witness the social norms and racial prejudices prevalent in the society she lives in. Skeeter's journey includes her decision to write a book that highlights the lives and struggles of African American maids in Jackson.
2. Aibileen Clark: Aibileen is an African American maid who works for the Leefolt family. She is a wise, compassionate, and strong woman who has raised several white children throughout her life. Aibileen's point of view provides an intimate look at the daily experiences and challenges faced by African American maids in the segregated South. She forms a close friendship with Skeeter and plays a crucial role in sharing the stories of other maids.
3. Minny Jackson: Minny is another African American maid who works for the Hilly Holbrook family. She is outspoken, independent, and has a talent for cooking. Through Minny's perspective, readers gain insight into the hardships and injustices African Americans faced during that era. Minny's experiences, including her tumultuous relationship with Hilly, further illustrate the oppressive nature of the society they live in.
By shifting between these three main characters, the novel presents a multifaceted narrative that offers a comprehensive exploration of the themes of race, class, and gender during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.