Who Are The Main Characters In Dumplin'?

Willowdean is the star of 'Dumplin'', and she’s such a refreshing lead! She’s got this sharp wit and a don’t-care attitude, but deep down, she’s figuring things out like any teen. Bo Larson is the love interest—a total sweetheart who’s into her, but Willowdean can’t shake the doubt that he’s just pitying her. Ellen, her bestie, is kinda the 'perfect' girl next door, and their friendship hits some rough patches. Rosie, Willowdean’s mom, is complex; she means well but doesn’t always get her daughter. The drag queens are iconic, especially Lee, who’s like a fairy godmother in sequins. The book’s charm comes from how these characters clash, support each other, and grow.

Willowdean’s the heart of 'Dumplin''—a plus-size heroine who’s both bold and vulnerable. Her mom, Rosie, represents the beauty standards Willowdean rebels against, while Bo challenges her to believe she’s worthy of love. Ellen’s her ride-or-die, but their bond gets tested. The drag queens, especially Rhea, add warmth and sass. It’s a story about defying expectations, and every character plays a part in that journey.

If you’re diving into 'Dumplin'', prepare to meet Willowdean—a girl who’s loud, proud, and occasionally unsure. Her relationship with her mom, Rosie, is central; Rosie’s obsession with pageants clashes with Willowdean’s resistance to 'pretty girl' standards. Bo’s the guy who complicates things because he sees her for who she is, but she’s too busy waiting for the other shoe to drop. Ellen’s friendship is precious but strained when Willowdean decides to join the pageant as a statement. The drag queens steal every scene they’re in, offering wisdom and glitter in equal measure. What stands out is how Murphy doesn’t make Willowdean’s size her entire personality—it’s part of her, but so is her humor, her loyalty, and her stubbornness. The side characters, like shy Millie and bold Hannah, round out a cast that feels like family by the end.

Dumplin' has such a heartfelt cast of characters, and I adore how Julie Murphy crafted them! Willowdean Dickson (nicknamed Dumplin') is the protagonist—a plus-size teen who’s confident but still wrestles with insecurities, especially about her body. Her mom, Rosie, is a former beauty queen who runs the local pageant, which adds tension to their relationship. Then there’s Bo, the hot guy who’s into Willowdean but makes her question whether he’s genuinely attracted to her. Ellen, her lifelong best friend, is sweet but sometimes struggles to understand Willowdean’s choices. And let’s not forget the drag queens like Lee and Rhea, who mentor Willowdean and her friends when they enter the pageant as a protest. Their dynamic is messy, real, and full of growth.

What I love most is how Willowdean’s journey isn’t just about body positivity but also about learning to accept love—from others and herself. The side characters, like Millie and hannah, who join the pageant with her, add so much humor and heart. It’s one of those stories where everyone feels like someone you’d meet in real life, flaws and all.