Celie, a poor, uneducated African American girl in rural Georgia, starts writing letters to God after being repeatedly raped by her father, Alphonso. This abuse results in two pregnancies, and both children are taken away by Alphonso. Celie believes they are dead. She is then married off to a man she calls "Mister" (Albert), who continues to abuse her and treat her like a servant.

Celie’s life begins to change when Albert’s lover, Shug Avery, a glamorous singer, comes to stay with them. Although initially dismissive of Celie, Shug eventually becomes her friend and confidante. Through Shug's influence, Celie begins to assert herself and gains a sense of self-worth. She discovers that Alphonso is not her biological father and that her children are alive, being raised by missionaries.

Meanwhile, Celie's sister, Nettie, who had fled Alphonso's house to avoid his advances, is working with a missionary family in Africa. Nettie writes letters to Celie, detailing her experiences and the cultural context of African life. These letters, which Celie only receives later due to Albert’s interference, become a source of strength and enlightenment for Celie.

With Shug's support, Celie eventually leaves Albert and moves to Tennessee, where she starts a successful business making pants, symbolizing her newfound independence. Celie also reconciles with Albert, who undergoes his own transformation and seeks redemption for his past actions.

By the end of the novel, Celie is reunited with Nettie, who returns to America with Celie’s children. The novel concludes with Celie finding a sense of peace and fulfillment, surrounded by family and friends.

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