White Oleander Characters

White Oleander Character List

Ingrid Magnussen

Extremely beautiful poet who is the mother of Astrid. Ingrid is sent to jail after murdering her deceitful partner (Barry) with the poison from the White Oleander flower.

Astrid Magnussen

Daughter of Ingrid who at the beginning of the book is twelve years old. Astrid becomes a ward of the state of California after her mother is prosecuted for murder. Astrid grows as she bounces between foster homes, and learns a lesson from each one.

Claire Richards

Actress who encounters Astrid, and truly cares for her, however when visiting Ingrid in prison, she becomes convinced that her husband Ron is cheating and commits suicide.

Barry Kolker

Ingrid's lover who was murdered by her after being caught cheating.

Klaus Anders

Astrid's biological father, who left when she was young. Astrid and Klaus eventually meet again much later in her life, and reconcile.

Starr

One of Astrid's foster mothers. Starr is a recovering alcoholic and former stripper, who becomes violent when discovering relations between Astrid and Ray

Ray

Starr's boyfriend, who eventually has feelings for Astrid, and begins a relationship with her after Starr has a relapse.

Marvel Turlock

Foster parent of Astrid, who makes Astrid take care of her kids.

Ed Turlock

Partner of Marvel and foster parent of Astrid. Kicks Astrid out after she comes back drunk one night.

Olivia Johnstone

Black prostitute who happens to be extremely wealthy. Is hated by the Turlocks. Teaches Astrid about being proper and lady-like.

Amelia Ramos

Foster mother to Astrid, Nidia Diaz, Lina Torrez, Kiki, and Silvana. She starves the foster children, and does not take care of them well.

Ron Richards

Husband of Claire Richards and foster father to Astrid.

Paul Trout

Foster child at Maclaren's Children's Center. Meets Astrid and falls in love with her through their mutual love for art.

Rena Grushenka

Foster mother of Astrid and many others.

Sergei

Rena's boyfriend, who despite his age forms sexual relations with Astrid.

Nidia Diaz

Foster child of Amelia Ramos and foster sister to Astrid

Lina Torrez

Foster child of Amelia Ramos and foster sister to Astrid

Kiki

Foster child of Amelia Ramos and foster sister to Astrid

Silvana

Foster child of Amelia Ramos and foster sister to Astrid

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