Wang Lung – The protagonist and main character of The Good Earth. He is the character through which all of the story’s narration is focused. Wang Lung marries O-lan as a poor farmer. He loves his land more than anything else in the world. His faults in character include his envy of those with wealth and high status. While he generally follows a path of righteousness in his own mind, he inevitably contributes to his own downfall by loosing sight of what matters in his life. He has three sons and two daughters.

O-lan – Originally a slave at the House of Hwang, O-lan marries Wang Lung very early on. According to Wang Lung, she is not terribly attractive, but she works harder than any husband could wish for. She is entirely devoted to her husband and contributes extensively to the eventual uprising of Wang Lung financially. She is the foundation through which Wang Lung’s family is created.

Wang Lung’s Father – Wang Lung’s only direct relative of Wang Lung who lives with him. He is a conventional Chinese man and is a good person all around. He is responsible for Wang Lung’s love of the land, and through the later parts of the novel remains good-natured and out of the way.

Wang Lung’s First Son – The prized first son of Wang Lung, this boy grows up privileged and spoiled. He becomes arrogant and obsessive. He does not respect the land that gives him the rich life he lives. His teacher named him “Nun En”

Wang Lung’s Second Son – A calculating and responsible son, this boy understands more than his older brother the value of the land but does not respect it as his father does. He is eventually put in charge of Wang Lung’s finances. He was named “Nun Wen” by his teacher.

Wang Lung’s First Daughter – This child was a famine year baby and possessed mental deficiencies, never learning to speak. She spends the majority of her time with her bit of cloth in the sun. She is looked after by Wang Lung, who feels bonds greatly with the daughter.

Wang Lung’s Second Daughter – Strangled at birth by O-lan during harsh famines.

Wang Lung’s Third Son – The third son of Wang Lung is considered the most quiet. He is the twin of the third daughter. He eventually joins the revolution, to the surprise of Wang Lung.

Wang Lung’s Third Daughter – This girl was the twin of the third son, and was considered the prettiest of his daughters and is betrothed to the grain market master, Liu’s son. She has bound feet per her father’s request.

Ching – He is initially a fellow land-owning farmer of Wang Lung. After the terrible famine year, he becomes Wang Lung’s head right hand and head laborer. Ching is a very good-natured, resourceful, and efficient man who works loyally for Wang Lung.

Wang Lung’s Uncle – He is Wang Lung’s Father’s younger brother. The man is lazy, conniving, evil, and heads the local band of thieves. He constantly harasses Wang Lung, who is forced to show him respect because he is of the older generation and because of his connection with the thieves. He lives out his last years in Wang Lung’s home.

Wang Lung’s Uncle’s Wife – A pompous, gossipy, manipulative woman, she is married to Wang Lung ’s Uncle.

Wang Lung’s Uncle’s Son – He is similar to his father and is a feisty, disrespectful, and nasty person.

Cuckoo – She is originally a slave from the House of Hwang who resided over O-lan. Cuckoo comes with Lotus Blossom as a personal servant when she is purchased by Wang Lung.

Lotus Blossom – A beautiful prostitute purchased by Wang Lung to be his concubine. She is a spoiled woman with a whiny, manipulative attitude.

Pear Blossom – She is purchased during a famine year at the age of ten. She works in Wang Lung’s house as Lotus’ servant until Wang Lung takes her for his own.

 

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