Clora
Clora is the narrator of the story. Like most of the rest of the characters, she fits into the story more as an allegorical figure than a fully fleshed out, rounded individual. Clora is born into slavery and the inexorable march toward her ultimate suicide seems at time so rooted in fate that she was almost born aware that this is how her life would end.
Always
If Clora’s name doesn’t indicate the extent to which the story is allegorical, her daughter’s name should do the trick. Always is Clora’s daughter and as narrator she flatly informs the reader that she is her favorite child. As such, one should suspect that though the novel features a fairly large cast of significant players, Always will almost always be at the forefront. Allegorically speaker, her name also indicates her role as the thematic personification of being strong, but silent and always an energy to be aware of.
Sun
Sun is literally the son of Clora. And what does the sun provide? Light. Which is not just illumination, but also connotes something not as dark as that which surrounds. Allegorically, then, Sun represents the ability and choice associated with being light-skinned enough to pass as white within white society.
Doak Butler
Unlike Always, Sun and Peach (Clora’s other less favored daughter) the allegorical nature of Doak Butler’s name may not be readily apparent. For that matter, it may still remain elusive once one has completed the novel. Possibly by choice; Doak is much more literally present and unlike the slave he purchases with whom he fathers a child (Always) he is a force that is far less symbolic and much more tangible.
Sue and Loretta Butler
Sue is the first wife of Doak. Loretta is his second wife. And not entirely coincidentally, Loretta also just happens to be half-sister to Always. Doak is able to marry Loretta after Sue dies while giving birth.
