Character Info
Learn a bit about the main characters of the film.
Americus Nation is the daughter of Novalee Nation and Willy Jack Pickens. Throughout the movie, we see her grow from an infant to a beautiful five year old girl. Americus is a very loving child and is Novalee's pride and joy. We don't see too much of Americus in the film but it's clear that she is a sweet little darling who is full of life and loves all the people around her.
Forney Hull is a librarian in Sequoyah, where he lives in the library. His sister is actually the head librarian but she is an alcoholic and very ill and we see Forney taking care of her, showing his will to put others before himself. Forney is a very intelligent man and somewhat impatient at the beginning but as he falls in love with Novalee, we see his softer more sensitive side.
Lexie Coop is a single mom who works as a nurse at the local hospital. Being the friendly and outgoing woman she is, Lexie befriends Novalee and is the source of most of her advice. Lexie likes to gossip a bit, tends to have some crazy theories and gets herself into sticky situations sometimes, but you couldn't find a more caring or trustworthy friend than Lexie.
Mama Lil is Novalee's mother who left her as a child and never saw her again until she read about her in the paper and tracked her down, then proceeded to steal her money and abandon her again. We don't know much about Mama Lil but from what we do know, she was not exactly a nice woman. She lied a lot, used people, enjoyed making fun of Novalee and just wasn't there for her child when she needed to be.
Moses Whitecotton is a professional photographer and he is who inspired Novalee to become the same. They first meet at Wal-Mart where Moses shows his ability to make a strong impression and give great advice when he tells her to give her baby a strong name that means something. Moses isn't in the movie for long but it is clear that he is a fine unforgettable speciman with a heart of gold.
Mr. Sprock is Sister's lover and one of Novalee's first friends in Sequoyah. He is very light-hearted and caring. He doesn't speak very often but what he lacks in words, he makes up with in his actions. He is most definitely not a greedy man and always helped out Novalee in any way he could, whether it was taking care of Americus for the day or helping her build her house.
Novalee Nation is a pregnant 17-year old girl who has suffered a lot of heartache in her life. When her boyfriend, Willy Jack, abandons her at Wal-Mart on their way to a new city, we see Novalee transform herself from a somewhat insecure teenager to a strong loving and caring mother. Novalee finally finds in Sequoyah what she was looking for her entire life, in all senses of the word - love.
Ruth Meyers is a talent agent in California, who Willy Jack goes to when looking for a record deal. Her name is Ruth Meyers so you better call her Ruth Meyers. This feisty woman is snappy and even a bit rude, but still loveable and funny all the same. She's not afraid to get physical if she doesn't get her way, either. Ruth Meyers is one woman you definitely don't want to mess with.
Thelma "Sister" Husband is the warm mother-like role model to Novalee. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is always making sure those around her are comfortable and well. She is a strange woman yet somehow so normal. Sister is a one-person welcoming committee to those new to Sequoyah and is immediately very friendly with Novalee. Though she dies, her good spirit lives on in Novalee.
Willy Jack Pickens is originally Novalee's boyfriend - that is, until he deserts her at Wal-Mart. He is an arrogant aspiring singer/songwriter. He lands himself in jail but when he finally gets out, he goes to Ruth Meyers. After living life on the wild side, his abusing ways cost him his legs in a train accident. This is what finally makes him come around and realize how he is living is wrong.