Miss Millie is a fictional character and a minor antagonist in the 1982 novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker, as well as its 1985 film adaptation by Steven Spielberg. She is the wife of the mayor of the town where Celie lives. She is a racist and condescending woman who admires the cleanliness and good manners of Sofia's children, so she asks Sofia to be her maid. Sofia replies, “H--- no,” and is sent first to jail, then to Miss Millie's, where she ends up working as her maid after all.
Background[]
History[]
Miss Millie is a privileged white woman who lives in a large house with her husband, the mayor, and their daughter, Eleanor Jane. She is oblivious to the struggles and oppression of the black people in her town and treats them as inferior and subservient. She is especially fond of Sofia's children, whom she considers cute and well-behaved, and wants to take one of them home with her. She also wants Sofia to work for her as her maid, but Sofia refuses and insults her, resulting in Sofia's arrest and beating by the police.
Miss Millie uses her influence to get Sofia out of jail, but only to make her work as her maid for twelve years. She treats Sofia poorly, giving her no pay, no days off, and no respect. She also prevents Sofia from seeing her children and husband and makes her drive her around town. Miss Millie is a terrible driver, and often causes accidents and traffic jams. She is also very lonely, as her husband and daughter do not pay attention to her, and she has no friends.
Miss Millie is portrayed by Dana Ivey in the film version of The Color Purple, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She is also portrayed by Elizabeth Marvel in the 2023 film remake of The Color Purple.
Personality[]
Miss Millie is a racist, condescending, and ignorant woman who believes that black people are inferior and should serve her. She is also very lonely and unhappy, as she has no friends and is neglected by her family. She tries to fill the void in her life by taking interest in Sofia's children, but she does not understand or respect their culture and identity. She is also very stubborn and selfish, as she does not care about Sofia's feelings or needs, and only wants her to be her maid. She is also very clumsy and incompetent, as she is a terrible driver and often causes trouble.
Physical Appearance[]
In the 2023 film, Miss Millie is an elderly white woman with gray hair and glasses. She wears conservative and elegant clothes and jewelry. In the 1985 film, Miss Millie is a younger white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears more modern and fashionable clothes and accessories.
Appearances[]
The Color Purple (1985)[]
Miss Millie first appears when she sees Sofia and her children in the street and asks Sofia if she can take one of them home with her. Sofia declines, and Miss Millie says that she will pay her. Sofia still refuses, and Miss Millie says that she is a good mother. She then asks Sofia to be her maid, but Sofia replies, “H--- no.” Miss Millie is shocked and offended, and tells her husband, the mayor, what Sofia said. The mayor slaps Sofia, and Sofia fights back, knocking him down. The police arrive and beat Sofia and take her to jail.
Miss Millie later visits Sofia in jail and tells her that she has arranged for her to work for her as her maid. Sofia has no choice but to accept, and Miss Millie takes her to her house. Miss Millie introduces Sofia to her daughter, Eleanor Jane, who is indifferent to her. Miss Millie shows Sofia her room, which is small and dirty, and tells her to start working. Miss Millie makes Sofia do all the housework, cooking, and gardening and also makes her drive her around town. Miss Millie is a terrible driver, and often causes accidents and traffic jams. She also prevents Sofia from seeing her children and husband, and only allows her to visit them on Christmas.
Miss Millie is seen again when Celie visits Sofia at her house. Miss Millie is surprised to see Celie and asks her who she is. Celie introduces herself as Mister's wife, and Miss Millie says that she knows Mister. She then asks Celie to be her maid as well, but Celie declines. Miss Millie is annoyed and tells Celie to leave. She then tells Sofia to get ready, as they are going to the Fourth of July picnic. Sofia reluctantly agrees, and Miss Millie leaves.
Miss Millie is seen for the last time when Sofia's sentence is over, and she is allowed to leave. Miss Millie is sad to see Sofia go and asks her to stay. Sofia refuses, and Miss Millie says that she will miss her. Sofia says that she will not miss her, and Miss Millie is hurt. She then asks Sofia to hug her, but Sofia pushes her away. Miss Millie cries, and Sofia leaves with her family.
The Color Purple (2023)[]
Miss Millie's role in the 2023 film remake of The Color Purple is similar to her role in the 1985 film, with some minor changes. She has a much smaller role in the film but her personality is still the same with her being racist and rude. She continuously annoyed Sofia if she wanted to be her maid despite Sofia respectfully saying no to the point that Sofia insults her. She is invertedly responsible for Sofia going to jail. Sofia is then forced to be Ms. Millie's maid and then drives away. Ms. Millie is not seen after this.
Trivia[]
- In the novel, Miss Millie's name is never revealed, and she is only referred to as the mayor's wife.
- In the 1985 film, Miss Millie is the only white character who has a speaking role.