Main Characters:
* Lily Owens: The protagonist, a 14-year-old girl who escapes her abusive father and travels to Tiburon, South Carolina, to find her mother's past. She is naive but strong and seeks love and acceptance.
* Rosaleen: Lily's loyal and protective black maid who is beaten by white men for trying to register to vote. She accompanies Lily on her journey and acts as a mother figure.
* August Boatwright: A wise and nurturing black woman who owns a honey farm called "Tiburon" and becomes a mother figure to Lily. She is the leader of the "Black Madonna" community, a group of women who worship a statue of the Virgin Mary painted black.
* May Boatwright: August's younger sister, a quiet and kind woman who is often described as "like a bee." She is an expert beekeeper and is drawn to Lily's artistic talent.
* June Boatwright: August's other sister, a fiery and outspoken woman who is the most involved in the Black Madonna community. She has a deep love for August and May and acts as a protector for Lily.
* Zach: A young black man who works at the Boatwright's honey farm and becomes a love interest for Lily. He is sensitive, intelligent, and plays a vital role in Lily's understanding of race relations and her own identity.
Supporting Characters:
* T. Ray Owens: Lily's abusive father, who is a controlling and emotionally distant figure. He represents the harshness and bigotry of the South during the Civil Rights era.
* Deborah Owens: Lily's deceased mother, whose mysterious past motivates Lily's journey. She is a symbol of hope and love for Lily.
* Clayton Boatwright: August, May, and June's father, a deceased beekeeper who left a legacy of love and wisdom for his daughters.
* Neil: A white man who is a friend of the Boatwright sisters and offers Lily a chance to escape the prejudice of Tiburon.
* Queen of Bees: The leader of the bee hive at Tiburon, representing the power and wisdom of nature.
* The Black Madonna: A painted statue of the Virgin Mary representing the women's spiritual faith and resilience.
* The Daughters of Mary: The members of the Black Madonna community, who offer love, support, and guidance to Lily.
This is not an exhaustive list, as there are other characters mentioned in the book, but these are the primary ones that play significant roles in Lily's journey of self-discovery and healing.