The Color Purple: Plot Summary

1. The novel begins with letters written by Celie to God, detailing her traumatic childhood experiences.
2. Celie is repeatedly raped by her father, Alphonso, who fathered two children with her. He then takes the children away, telling Celie they have died.

3. Alphonso marries Celie off to a man referred to as Mr.__, who is abusive and treats her as a servant.
4. Celie's sister, Nettie, comes to live with them to escape Alphonso.
5. After Mr.__ makes advances on Nettie and she rejects him, Nettie is forced to leave.
6. Nettie promises to write to Celie, but Celie never receives any letters and believes Nettie is dead.

7. Mr.__ brings home his mistress, Shug Avery, who is sick and needs care.
8. Celie and Shug develop a close friendship, and eventually a romantic relationship.
9. Shug helps Celie discover letters from Nettie that Mr.__ had hidden.
10. Nettie's letters reveal that she has been living with missionaries in Africa, raising Celie's two children, Olivia and Adam.
11. Celie learns that Alphonso is not her biological father.
12. Empowered by Shug and Nettie's letters, Celie leaves Mr.__ and moves to Memphis with Shug.
13. Celie starts a successful business making pants.

14. Alphonso dies, and Celie inherits his house and land.
15. Celie returns to Georgia and reconciles with Mr.__, who has changed for the better.
16. Nettie returns from Africa with Celie's children.

17. The novel ends with a family reunion with Celie and Nettie.