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The main character in A Taste of Honey is Jo. When the play begins Jo and her mother Helen are about to move into a flat that Helen has recently rented. From the conversation that takes place between Jo and Helen it becomes obvious that they move around very often. This leads to Jo feeling unsettled. It also becomes apparent that they argue and bicker a great deal. Helen is also an important character in the play and her relationship with Jo is the focal point of the drama.

Geof is introduced in Act Two of the play. He quickly becomes one of the most important people in Jo’s life, taking on an almost maternal role. He looks after her when she is pregnant and moves into the flat so that she is not alone during her pregnancy. He is taunted by Helen and her new husband Peter for being homosexual but he remains dignified whenever they hurl abuse at him and he cares only that Jo is well looked after.

Peter marries Helen during Act One. He is younger than Helen and makes it obvious from the start of the play that he does not want Jo with them when they are married. Jo does not like Peter and is jealous that her mother has feelings for him. He is an untrustworthy character who enjoys spending money when he has it. He ends up leaving Helen for another woman.

Boy is Jo’s boyfriend. He is never given a name, although near the end of the play Jo tells Geof that his name is Jimmie. He is black and in the navy. He proposes marriage to Jo but after giving her a ring, he leaves to work away for six months and never returns.

Main characters

• Jo
• Helen

Secondary characters

• Geof
• Peter
• Boy