Dolores Claiborne
The mother of Selena and her two brothers and the focus of the story. She was the caretaker of Vera Donovan before her mysterious death which leads to her being accused of murder, not only of Vera, but also of her late-husband Jon St. George.
Selena Claiborne
The daughter of Dolores and the POV character of the film. She returns to her hometown after hearing of her mother being accused of murder.
Vera Donovan
An old affluent lady and Dolores' employer, a bitter and jaded woman who has little to no respect for the people working for her. Her mysterious death leads to Dolores being accused of murder.
Jon St. George
Dolores' husband and Selena's father. A bitter and manipulative
Domestic Abuser who died in an accident decades prior to the events of the story.