William Faulkner, one of the greatest American writers, is a master at creating unforgettable characters whose complexities bring his stories to life. The richness of these characters is a significant reason why his works, such as The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, and Light in August, remain timeless and impactful.
In this article, I will explore some of the most memorable characters Faulkner has ever created and uncover what makes them truly iconic in American literature.
What are the Memorable Characters Created by William Faulkner?
Look at some of Faulkner’s most striking characters–
All-Time Favorite Faulkner Characters
1. Addie Bundren (As I Lay Dying)
Addie Bundren is one of Faulkner’s most haunting characters. In As I Lay Dying, the entire story centers on her death and her family’s journey to bury her. Even though Addie is dead for most of the book, her presence is still powerful. Through her reflections on life and death, Addie shows us her bitterness towards life and her complicated feelings about her family. Addie’s bitterness and disconnection from her family create a dark yet fascinating character. Her thoughts on existence make her a powerful and unforgettable one.
2. Quentin Compson (The Sound and the Fury)
Quentin Compson is a tragic figure. He is obsessed with the past, especially his family’s fall from glory. Quentin struggles with the idea of time, often wishing he could go back to when things were better. His inability to move forward in life leads him to a tragic end. Quentin’s character is a heartbreaking example of someone who can’t escape their own thoughts.
3. Thomas Sutpen (Absalom, Absalom!)
Thomas Sutpen is the perfect example of ambition gone wrong. In Absalom, Absalom!, Sutpen is a man who builds his life from nothing but becomes obsessed with his desire for power and status. His ruthless actions led to the destruction of his family and everything he worked for. Sutpen represents the dark side of the American Dream. It makes him one of Faulkner’s most powerful characters.
Best Male Characters in Faulkner’s Novels
1. Joe Christmas (Light in August)
Joe Christmas is a deeply troubled character who struggles with his identity, particularly his racial background. He spends his life feeling like he doesn’t belong anywhere, which leads to his violent and tragic end. Faulkner uses Joe to explore themes of race and identity.
2. Anse Bundren (As I Lay Dying)
Anse Bundren is Addie’s husband in As I Lay Dying. Anse is a stubborn and selfish man. He is more concerned with getting himself a new set of teeth than with honoring his wife’s dying wish. While he may not be a likable character, Anse’s selfishness and determination make him unforgettable.
3. Darl Bundren (As I Lay Dying)
Darl, one of Addie’s sons, is a deeply reflective character. He sees more than others around him and often reflects on the meaning of life and death. Darl’s understanding of the world, combined with his growing madness, makes him a tragic figure. His complex thoughts and actions leave a lasting impression on readers.
Best Female Characters in Faulkner’s Novels
1. Caddy Compson (The Sound and the Fury)
Caddy Compson is the emotional center of The Sound and the Fury. Though the story is told through the eyes of her brothers, it’s Caddy who shapes much of the novel. She is a free spirit, but her actions have long-lasting effects on her family. Caddy’s presence is strong, even when she isn’t physically there, making her one of Faulkner’s most iconic female characters.
2. Lena Grove (Light in August)
Lena Grove is the opposite of many of Faulkner’s more tragic characters. She is resilient, hopeful, and determined to find the father of her child. Despite the hardships she faces, Lena remains optimistic. Faulkner represents her as a refreshing and strong character.
3. Rosa Coldfield (Absalom, Absalom!)
Rosa Coldfield gives us a strong emotional view of the sad events in Thomas Sutpen’s life. Her story shows themes of loss and what happens when ambition goes too far. Rosa is a character for understanding the complicated feelings and events in the novel.
Most Mysterious and Tragic Faulkner Characters
1. Miss Emily Grierson (A Rose for Emily)
Miss Emily Grierson is one of Faulkner’s most mysterious characters. In A Rose for Emily, she lives a lonely and isolated life in her old, worn-out house. The townspeople gossip about her, but no one truly knows what happens behind closed doors. When her dark secret is finally revealed, it’s shocking and unforgettable. Miss Emily’s mystery makes her a standout character in Faulkner’s short stories.
2. Flem Snopes (The Hamlet)
Flem Snopes is a cunning and manipulative character who will do anything for power and money. Throughout The Hamlet, Flem’s actions show his lack of morals, as he uses everyone around him to get what he wants. His cold and calculating personality makes him a notable villain in Faulkner’s world.
3. Popeye (Sanctuary)
Popeye is a deeply unsettling character in Sanctuary. He is mysterious and violent, leaving readers with an uncomfortable sense of unease. His cruelty and lack of human feelings make him one of Faulkner’s most disturbing characters.
Best Supporting Characters in Faulkner’s Novels
1. Vardaman Bundren (As I Lay Dying)
Vardaman is one of Addie Bundren’s youngest children in As I Lay Dying. His childlike perspective on death leads to some of the novel’s most lines, such as when he says, “My mother is a fish.” Vardaman’s innocence and confusion add depth to the story.
2. Dilsey Gibson (The Sound and the Fury)
Dilsey is the Compson family’s loyal servant in The Sound and the Fury. While the Compson family falls apart, Dilsey remains strong and steady. Her compassion and sense of duty make her a beloved character in Faulkner’s work.
What Makes Faulkner’s Characters Memorable?
William Faulkner’s characters stand out due to their deep complexity and humanity. Here are several key reasons why they resonate so powerfully:
1. Real and Relatable Characters
Faulkner’s characters are not merely black and white; they are layered with both admirable and flawed qualities. They can be heroic one moment and deeply flawed the next. This complexity makes them feel more like real people.
2. Tough Choices, Big Impact
Faulkner puts his characters in situations where they have to make tough decisions, and those choices reveal who they really are. These dilemmas show their struggles with right and wrong in a world full of gray areas. Such moral struggles give the characters depth.
3. Rooted in History
Faulkner often sets his stories in the post-Civil War South, a time of great change. His characters carry the burden of the past, trying to reconcile it with their present lives. This connection to history adds weight to their stories, making them unforgettable.
4. Stuck in the Past
Numerous characters are trapped by their pasts. The struggle with memories, regrets, and inherited family legacies is a heavy burden for many of Faulkner’s characters. This sense of being stuck by the past gives Faulkner’s characters a lasting emotional impact.
5. Emotions That Hit Hard
Faulkner’s characters are full of strong emotions, from love and anger to guilt and grief —expressed in raw, unfiltered ways. These powerful feelings pull readers into their experiences.
6. More Than Just People—Symbols of Change
Some of Faulkner’s characters also serve as symbols of larger themes, such as the decay of the Old South or the clash between tradition and progress. This symbolic nature adds richness to their roles in the story.
Wrap-Up
By crafting characters who are emotionally complex, morally conflicted, and connected to their time and place, William Faulkner’s figures are as complex as they are remarkable.
From Addie Bundren’s haunting presence to Quentin Compson’s tragic struggles, each character leaves a lasting impression. If you haven’t read Faulkner’s works yet, these unforgettable characters are a great reason to start now.