Scarlett’s estranged husband and the other central figure in the novel’s consuming, turbulent love story, which she hopes to rekindle.

Scarlett’s former romantic rival’s husband and the object of Scarlett’s earlier affection; he remains among the familiar returning characters.

Scarlett’s lifelong mainstay, whose grave illness draws Scarlett back to Tara and prompts her to notify the estranged Rhett.

Scarlett’s former sister-in-law and rival for Ashley’s affection; her funeral forms part of the novel’s immediate opening situation.

Scarlett’s brother-in-law, whose name she uses when informing Rhett about Mammy because she fears Rhett otherwise will not come.

Rhett’s mother and Scarlett’s mother-in-law, a member of the Butler family whom Scarlett visits in Charleston during her pursuit of Rhett.

Rhett’s sister and Scarlett’s sister-in-law, one of the Butler relatives introduced as part of Rhett’s Charleston family circle.