The Stepford Wives characters

Appears from the start

A photographer, wife, and mother who has recently moved from New York City to suburban Stepford. Joanna expects an equal place in her marriage and wants friendships and a creative life beyond housework. The unwavering domesticity of the town's women soon troubles her.

Appears from the start

Joanna's husband, a lawyer who presents himself as supportive of women's equality. Soon after the family arrives in Stepford, he joins the powerful Men's Association despite Joanna's objections and becomes guarded about its activities.

First appears in chapter 2

Joanna's sharp, irreverent new friend and one of the few Stepford wives who neglects housework without embarrassment. Bobbie shares Joanna's unease about the town and becomes her closest partner in trying to understand its women.

First appears in chapter 3

A lively Stepford resident who plays tennis and complains freely about her husband. Her untidy house and independent interests initially make her seem a likely ally for Joanna and Bobbie.

First appears in chapter 7

The Eberharts' Black neighbor and an author of children's books. Ruthanne is new enough to Stepford to retain her own work, opinions, and ambitions, placing her outside the pattern Joanna has begun to notice among longer-established wives.

First appears in chapter 7

Ruthanne's husband and a member of Stepford's Men's Association. He and Ruthanne represent another recently arrived household as Joanna's fears about the association grow.

Also known as Diz Coba

First appears in chapter 5

The imposing president of the Stepford Men's Association. Dale, known as Diz, carries himself with easy authority when Walter brings association members into the Eberhart home.

First appears in chapter 8

A prominent illustrator and Men's Association member whose work Joanna recognizes. He takes a professional interest in Joanna's appearance and asks to sketch her.

First appears in chapter 13

A psychiatrist outside Stepford whom Joanna consults after her suspicions become overwhelming. She does not confirm Joanna's theory, but she takes Joanna's fear seriously enough to advise leaving town with the children while there is time.

First appears in chapter 2

A Stepford wife who embodies the polished local ideal: attractive, pleasant, and wholly absorbed by cleaning, cooking, and serving her family. Joanna's failed attempts to interest women like Carol in activities of their own first expose how uniform the town has become.