Absalom, Absalom!

Main Characters and Their Development

• Thomas Sutpen: The main character of the novel, Thomas Sutpen, is an ambitious and ruthless man who seeks to build a dynasty. His life is filled with tragedies and moral compromises. He builds his empire in Yoknapatawpha, but his dreams crumble due to his own mistakes and past sins.
• Henry Sutpen: Thomas Sutpen's son, Henry, initially follows his father but later renounces him due to a conflict with his brother Charles Bon. Henry kills Charles upon discovering his origins, leading to the family's downfall.
• Judith Sutpen: Thomas Sutpen's daughter, Judith, falls in love with Charles Bon, unaware of his true nature. Her life is filled with suffering and disappointment, and she becomes a victim of family intrigues and tragedies.
• Charles Bon: The illegitimate son of Thomas Sutpen, Charles Bon, is unaware of his origins and falls in love with his half-sister Judith. His life ends tragically when he is killed by Henry.
• Quentin Compson: The narrator of the novel, Quentin Compson, attempts to understand and reconstruct the Sutpen family history. His own life intertwines with the Sutpens' story, and he becomes obsessed with their tragedy.
• Rosa Coldfield: Thomas Sutpen's fiancée, Rosa Coldfield, harbors bitterness and hatred towards him after he abandons her. She plays a crucial role in revealing the Sutpen family's history and downfall.