Mrs. Peters-The wife of the sheriff. Mrs. Peters is more timid than Mrs. Hale and more aware of the responsibilities the women have to the law and to their husbands when they uncover the truth of Minnie Wright's murder of her husband. However, she is unwilling to expose the uncovered evidence to the men.
Mrs. Hale-The wife of the neighboring farmer. Mrs. Hale is wracked by guilt at not having visited Minnie Wright more often to support her through the difficulties of living with her unkind husband. She leads Mrs. Peters in their decision to conceal the evidence that would undoubtedly convict Minnie Wright of her crime.
Minnie Wright-The wife of the murdered John Wright, and his killer. Mrs. Hale remembers Minnie for her youthful innocence and happiness before she was married (when she was Minnie Foster). Back then, she sang joyfully in the local choir. But in marriage Minnie became timid, sad, and isolated. (It is interested that even Minnie’s name connects her to a sense of smallness and powerlessness: “mini”.) Minnie killed her husband by strangling him in retribution for his final cruelness of killing her pet bird, the only being that provided happiness and company for her in the loneliness of her home and the patriarchal society that isolated her (and all women).
George Henderson-The county attorney assigned to the case of John Wright’s murder. He is a young man with a self-assured attitude, confident that he’ll be able to find and present the evidence against Minnie Wright, and certain of her guilt.
Henry Peters-The local sheriff who accompanies George Henderson on his investigation. Although less vocal and bombastic than Henderson, Peters is equally prejudiced against and judgmental of women.
Lewis Hale-The neighboring farmer who discovered John Wright’s body. He recounts his tale of visiting the Wrights and describes Minnie Wright’s strange attitude as she sat in her rocking chair and announced the death of her husband by strangulation.
John Wright-The deceased farmer. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters describe him as a good man because he did not drink and paid his debts, but a hard man. He was not considered good company, and the other women imagine the loneliness of Minnie’s life as his wife.
(Sorry that this is so late)
