The Miracle Worker (Dramatized) characters

Appears from the start

A young Alabama girl left deaf and blind by an illness in infancy. Nearly seven when the main action begins, she is intelligent, strong-willed, and eager to understand her surroundings, but has no shared language beyond a few signs she has devised at home. Her frustrated outbursts dominate the Keller household until Annie Sullivan arrives to teach her.

Also known as Annie

Appears from the start

A young teacher sent from the Perkins Institution to work with Helen. Partially sighted after operations and marked by a harsh childhood in an almshouse, she brings energy, persistence, and unconventional methods to her first teaching post. She believes Helen needs disciplined instruction and language rather than pity.

Appears from the start

Helen's devoted mother, who continues to search for help when others have nearly accepted that nothing can be done. She understands many of Helen's improvised signs and is torn between protecting her child from distress and giving Annie the authority to teach her.

Also known as Captain Keller

Appears from the start

Helen's father, a former Confederate officer and newspaper editor who expects order in his household. He loves Helen but doubts that a young Northern teacher can reach her, and Annie's blunt manner quickly puts them at odds.

Appears from the start

Captain Keller's adult son from his first marriage and Helen's older half-brother. He masks resentment and uncertainty with sarcasm, frequently challenging his father while watching Annie's struggle with skeptical interest.

Also known as Aunt Ev

Appears from the start

Helen's talkative aunt, affectionate toward the family and convinced that some form of expert help must exist. Her suggestion that the Kellers contact a specialist helps bring Annie to Alabama.

Appears from the start

The director of the Perkins Institution and Annie's mentor. At Annie's farewell he acknowledges both her difficult past and her promise as a teacher, while warning that knowledge alone will not make her patient.

Appears from the start

A household servant in the Keller home and mother of Martha and Percy. She assists the family in caring for Helen and observes the upheaval caused by Annie's arrival.

Appears from the start

Viney's young daughter and one of Helen's regular playmates. She has learned to accommodate Helen's forceful way of communicating, though their games can turn rough when Helen becomes frustrated.

Appears from the start

Viney's son, a younger child in the Keller household. Annie later uses his presence and Helen's curiosity about him as part of her early teaching efforts.