Granny is an 80-year-old widow reflecting on her life from her sickbed. Having survived the early death of her husband, she spent decades performing hard domestic labor, managing her land, and raising her children alone. She is fiercely independent and resents being treated as fragile or vulnerable by her family and caregivers. Her present physical decline forces her to grapple with disjointed memories of her past.

Cornelia is one of Granny Weatherall's adult daughters who takes on the responsibility of caring for her ailing mother. She is dutiful, attentive, and genuinely concerned for Granny's well-being. However, her constant caregiving and gentle treatment inadvertently undermine her mother's sense of autonomy, creating tension at the bedside.

Doctor Harry is the physician attending to Granny Weatherall during her final illness. He presents a cheerful but patronizing demeanor, treating his elderly patient in a condescending manner that she intensely dislikes. To Granny's fading senses, he appears to physically float around her room.

Father Donnolly is a Catholic priest who visits the Weatherall home. He embodies the religious faith that has provided Granny with a sense of structure and comfort throughout her difficult life. His presence in the bedroom forces Granny to confront the severity of her condition.

Hapsy is Granny Weatherall's favorite daughter, whose physical absence is deeply felt during the family gathering. She occupies a significant space in Granny's fragmented memories and stream of consciousness. Granny constantly searches for her in her mind, viewing her as a source of ultimate comfort.

George is Granny Weatherall's former fiancé. Sixty years prior to the current events, he abandoned her on their wedding day. Although he does not appear in the present narrative, the memory of his betrayal remains a central emotional conflict that Granny has spent decades attempting to suppress.

John is Granny Weatherall's deceased husband. He passed away when he was relatively young, leaving his wife to manage their property and raise their children entirely on her own. Granny measures the passage of time by noting that their children are now older than John was when he died.

Lydia is one of Granny Weatherall's adult daughters. Like her siblings, she eventually arrives at the house to maintain a vigil at her mother's bedside. Granny takes pride in the fact that Lydia still relies on her guidance despite being an independent adult.

Jimmy is Granny Weatherall's son. He joins his sisters at the house as their mother's condition grows more serious. In a moment of physical connection, Jimmy attempts to assist his mother with her rosary, anchoring her to the present reality of her family.