The Grapes of Wrath

Main Characters and Their Development

• Tom Joad - a young man recently released from prison who returns to his family and witnesses social injustice and the struggle for survival. Throughout the narrative, he undergoes an internal transformation, evolving from individualism to the realization that collective action is the only way to change society.
• Ma Joad - Tom's mother, a strong-willed and warm-hearted person, the backbone of the family. Despite all hardships, she maintains optimism and hope, striving to keep the family united and their spirits high in the search for a better life.
• Pa Joad - the father of the family, who faces a diminishing role due to his inability to provide for them in the economic collapse. His character develops through feelings of guilt and helplessness as he attempts to find new ways to support the family.
• Jim Casy - a former preacher and friend of the Joad family, he shares his philosophical reflections on life and society with Tom. Over time, he becomes an active advocate for workers' rights and an ideological inspiration for Tom.
• Rose of Sharon - the youngest daughter of the Joad family, pregnant at the beginning of the book. Her personal suffering and losses are intensified by the family's overall situation, reflecting the sacrifices women make during economic crises.