Edna Pontellier
Edna is the main character we follow throughout the novel. Her 'awakening' begins on her vacation at Grand Isle with her family. She's 28 years old and married to Léonce. She faces self realizations throughout the story that drive her actions in different ways. She has two kids with Léonce that are 4 and 5. She realizes she's more than just a wife and a mother which makes her do things she never had before, including moving out of her own house and having affairs with men her age. She's also a very talented artist which allows for a great deal self expression as she creates portraits for those that want them.
Léonce Pontellier
Léonce is the oblivious husband in the novel. He's 40 years old and loves his wife Edna more than anything, but is much too worried about their reputation. He tries giving Edna space but that just drives her further away from her role of married mother. Léonce is very focused on work as well, which makes his reputation that much more important; he's a business man.
Robert Lebrun
Robert is 26 and has always enjoyed spending time with Edna, and other married women as well. He speaks English, French, and Spanish. He starts to grow on Edna and soon their friendship heats up. The more time they spend together, the more vulnerable the both of them feel. Robert is more traditional than he seems and it's his greatest fault in Edna's eyes. He spends his summers at Grande Isle because his mom is the owner of the cottages.
Alcée Arobin
Alcée starts getting close with Edna when her husband leaves on a business trip. He's one of those guys you tell your daughters to be careful around. He and Robert are both intimate with Edna around the same time but Alcée and Edna's fling is a strictly physical affair.
Madame Adéle Ratignolle
Adéle is the picture of a perfect mother and wife. She's been stereotypically, happily married for 7 years. Edna and her become friends at Grande Isle, where Robert used to have a huge crush on her, many summers ago.
Mademoiselle Reisz
Mademoiselle Reisz is a skilled pianist and Roberts trusted confidant after he moves away. Whenever she is around, Edna lets her emotions and realizations come to the surface.