Dumplin' has such a heartfelt cast of characters, and I adore how Julie Murphy crafted them! Willowdean Dickson (nicknamed Dumplin') is the protagonist—a plus-size teen who’s confident but still wrestles with insecurities, especially about her body. Her mom, Rosie, is a former beauty queen who runs the local pageant, which adds tension to their relationship. Then there’s Bo, the
hot guy who’s into Willowdean but makes her question whether he’s genuinely attracted to her. Ellen, her lifelong best friend, is sweet but sometimes struggles to understand Willowdean’s choices. And let’s not forget the drag queens like Lee and Rhea, who mentor Willowdean and her friends when they enter the pageant as a protest. Their dynamic is messy, real, and full of growth.
What I love most is how Willowdean’s journey isn’t just about body positivity but also about learning to accept love—from others and herself. The side characters, like Millie and
hannah, who join the pageant with her, add so much humor and heart. It’s one of those stories where everyone feels like someone you’d meet in real life, flaws and all.