Jacob Jankowski
The protagonist and narrator, a 93-year-old man reminiscing about his time working as a veterinarian for a circus during the Great Depression when he was 23 years old. He is an ivy-league dropout who joins the circus after a family tragedy.

Marlena
A beautiful equestrian performer who works closely with the animals, especially the elephant Rosie. She is married to the abusive ringmaster August, but falls in love with Jacob.

August
The cruel and paranoid ringmaster who is Marlena's husband. He is extremely possessive of Marlena and violently mistreats the circus animals, especially Rosie the elephant.

Rosie
An elephant that Jacob and Marlena develop a close bond with and train using humane methods, in contrast to August's abuse.

Walter/Kinko
A little person who performs as the clown "Kinko" but is kind-hearted and befriends Jacob, whose real name is Walter.

Uncle Al
The unethical but charismatic owner of the Benzini Brothers circus who employs shady business practices.

Camel
An elderly circus worker who looks out for Jacob when he first joins, but later becomes disabled after drinking a toxic substance.

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Love and Romance
The central love story between Jacob and Marlena, set against the backdrop of the circus world. Their forbidden affair and the obstacles they face from Marlena's abusive husband August.

Animal Cruelty
The mistreatment of animals, especially the elephant Rosie, by the cruel animal trainer August is a major theme. Jacob's compassion for Rosie is contrasted with August's cruelty.

The Great Depression
The novel is set during the Great Depression era of the 1930s, exploring the hardships and struggles of that time period through Jacob's experiences joining and working for the circus.

Coming of Age
Jacob's journey from a young Cornell student to finding his purpose with the circus represents a profound coming-of-age experience for him.

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Critics have praised the novel for its rich historical detail, compelling characters, and evocative depiction of circus life. The narrative's structure, which alternates between the protagonist's present and past, has been highlighted as a strength, adding depth to the storytelling. Reviewers often commend Gruen's ability to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters.

The book has been a bestseller with a wide readership, with many readers expressing admiration for its engrossing plot and emotional resonance. "Water for Elephants" has been a popular choice for book clubs, often leading to lively discussions about its themes, characters, and historical context.

The setting during the Great Depression and the portrayal of circus life provide a rich backdrop that adds to the novel's intrigue and authenticity.

Overall, "Water for Elephants" is perceived as a compelling and emotionally rich novel that has captured the imaginations of both critics and readers, solidifying its place as a modern classic.