Forrest Gump characters

Appears from the start

The narrator, an unusually large and strong man from Mobile, Alabama, who has been labeled an idiot since childhood. Forrest struggles with ordinary schooling and social rules but has striking gifts for numbers, music, chess, and any physical task put before him. He describes a life of improbable turns in a direct voice, often understanding people more clearly than they understand him.

Also known as Mama

Appears from the start

Forrest's mother, who raises him in Mobile and refuses to treat the judgments made about his intelligence as the measure of his worth. She is protective, practical, and determined to find him opportunities in a world that readily dismisses him.

First appears in chapter 2

Forrest's childhood friend and enduring love. Jenny accepts him without condescension and draws him toward music and a wider life, but her own ambitions and unsettled path repeatedly take her away from him.

Also known as Coach Bryant

First appears in chapter 3

The formidable head football coach at the University of Alabama. He recognizes the value of Forrest's size and speed to the team, even though keeping the young man eligible and teaching him complicated plays present continuing problems.

First appears in chapter 6

Forrest's friend and fellow soldier, whose companionship makes Army life and Vietnam more bearable. Bubba dreams of building a shrimp business after the war and teaches Forrest what he knows about the trade.

Also known as Lieutenant Dan

First appears in chapter 7

An Army officer Forrest serves under in Vietnam. Dan is more willing than most people to rely on Forrest's abilities, and their connection survives the war's chaos.

First appears in chapter 13

A woman assigned to the space mission that unexpectedly includes Forrest. Technically trained and conscious of the mission's risks, she must contend with Forrest's improvisation and with an orangutan who is also part of the flight.

First appears in chapter 13

A male orangutan sent into space alongside Forrest and Janet. Intelligent, temperamental, and capable of communicating with Forrest better than most people expect, Sue becomes Forrest's companion during and after their mission.

First appears in chapter 18

A chess expert who recognizes Forrest's exceptional ability at the game and helps bring him into competitive play. His interest gives another of Forrest's unexpected talents a public setting.