A Good Man is Hard to Find Characters

The Grandmother is an elderly Southern lady, and Bailey’s mother. She is a naïve woman, despite her age, and seems to only think of herself. Against her son’s wishes, she brings her cat along… read analysis of The Grandmother

The Misfit remains largely a mystery throughout the story. The Grandmother first reads about him in the newspaper—he is an escaped convict and murderer, and is thought to be headed to Florida (like the family)… read analysis of The Misfit

The patriarch of the story’s central family, Bailey is the Grandmother’s son and June Star and John Wesley’s father. Despite the constant distractions from his mother and children, he simply wants to go… read analysis of Bailey

Bailey’s wife, who is never named, is described as having a face “as broad and innocent as a cabbage.” She is John Wesley and June Star’s mother, and the Grandmother’s daughter-in-law. For most… read analysis of Bailey’s Wife (the Mother)

Seven-year-old June Star (John Wesley’s sister) is loudmouthed and critical. When Red Sam’s wife teasingly asks her to come live with them, June Star says that she wouldn’t live in their home in… read analysis of June Star

Red Sam Butts, whose name we first see on billboards along the highway, runs a combination filling station and dancehall that also serves food. He is a fat man with a red face, and he… read analysis of Red Sam Butts

Red Sam’s wife serves the family when they stop for sandwiches at Red Sam Butts’ filling station. She chats with the family and is chastised for taking too long to serve them by her… read analysis of Red Sam’s Wife

Bobby Lee is one of the Misfit’s two henchmen. He is described as fat and, to June Star, looking like a pig. He follows the Misfit’s orders and helps execute members of the… read analysis of Bobby Lee