Characters

Claireece Precious Jones is the main character of the story, and she also narrates the tale. She is a 16-year-old African-American girl who has had an extremely difficult childhood, particularly because both of her parents have systematically abused her physically, psychologically and sexually. Despite these hardships, however, she is a determined and intelligent girl who is resolved to turn her life around.

Precious’ mother also plays an important role, as she still holds Precious back in life by treating her like a slave, and making her think that she will never amount to anything. She also allowed her partner to rape their daughter, and sexually abuses Precious herself and beats her.

Precious’ father, Carl, is the greatest villain of the story, even though he is only present indirectly. He has systematically beaten and sexually abused his own daughter, to the point where he even got her pregnant twice, but does not seem to feel any kind of remorse or shame about his actions.

Ms Rain is Precious’ reading teacher, one of the first positive role models that she has encountered in her life. Her open-minded approach to teaching helps Precious to discover her potential.

The novel also contains a number of secondary characters. Some of these are the other girls in Precious’ reading class, such as Rhonda, Rita and Jermaine. Others are the various representatives of the authorities, such as Mrs Lichenstein and Ms Weiss, and the nurses at the hospital. Finally, Precious’ former math teacher, Mr Wicher, is only present for a short section of the story, but still plays an important role because he helps Mrs Lichenstein see Precious’ potential.