Jenny Fields
Garp’s mother, a fiercely independent feminist who becomes famous for her controversial autobiography. She challenges traditional gender roles and inspires women worldwide but faces backlash, ultimately leading to her assassination at a political rally.

Helen Holm Garp
Garp’s wife, a university professor who shares a complex relationship with him. She is intelligent and strong-willed but also grapples with infidelity and personal loss. Despite their struggles, Helen remains a central figure in Garp’s life.

Duncan Garp
The eldest son of Garp and Helen. Duncan is initially anxious due to Garp’s overprotectiveness but matures after losing an eye in a tragic car accident that also kills his younger brother Walt.

Walt Garp
The youngest son of Garp and Helen. Walt is characterized by his innocence and fear of death, which tragically foreshadows his untimely demise in the car accident.

Roberta Muldoon
A former football player who transitions to living as a woman. Roberta is one of Garp’s closest friends and represents themes of identity and acceptance throughout the novel.

Ellen James
A young girl who was brutally raped and had her tongue cut out by her attackers. Her story inspires the Ellen Jamesians, a radical feminist group that cuts out their own tongues in solidarity—an act both Ellen and Garp condemn. Ellen later expresses gratitude to Garp for writing about her life.

Pooh Percy
A childhood acquaintance of Garp who grows up to become a radical Ellen Jamesian. She ultimately murders Garp in an act of vengeance.