by Dean Young
Blondie Bumstead
When she married Dagwood Bumstead, Blondie Boopadoop transformed from flighty flapper into loving wife and, eventually, mother. Warm, gentle, loving and supportive of her husband and her children, she's spent many years as a model housewife. On Labor Day 1990, Dagwood and millions of loyal readers got the shock of their lives when Blondie decided to join the workforce -- she put her talent as a great cook to work as the proud owner of Blondie's Catering. But some things never change. Even though she's now bringing home a good chunk of the Bumstead bacon, she still does most of the housework -- for now! And if Dagwood bumbles and fumbles or goofs, it'll always be Blondie who comes to his rescue. She still succeeds in doing things Dagwood simply can't fathom. Thank goodness they're both sensible -- but never at the same time!
Dagwood Bumstead
Once young and very rich, Dagwood had it all. Until his wealthy parents stripped him of his share of the family fortune, that is. When Dagwood married Blondie, he instantly went from rebellious rich kid to suffering working stiff. Surely, the greatest victim of circumstance the world has ever known! Now, in addition to his wife and kids, what Dagwood loves most in life is food (his monstrous sandwiches are the stuff of legend), naps on the sofa, and long, uninterrupted baths (which he almost never gets to take!). His chronic problems are salesmen, crashing into the mailman, getting to work on time, and his crotchety old boss, Mr. J.C. Dithers.
Alexander
The Bumsteads' teen-age son. He resembles Dagwood somewhat in appearance, but seems to be more level-headed and stable. He's a star athlete on the football and basketball teams.
Cookie
Blondie and Dagwood's teen-age daughter has her mother's great good looks. She's an "A" student and a member of her high school's varsity cheerleaders squad. A typical teen-ager in all respects -- especially when it comes to boys.
Daisy
Daisy, the family dog, is ever-faithful (except at bath time) and, although she never "speaks," her expressions say it all.
Julius Dithers
Founder of J.C. Dithers & Company and Dagwood's irascible boss. A tyrannical dictator who constantly chomps on his cigar and hounds his employees. J.C. Dithers is lord and master of all he surveys, with one notable exception: Mrs. Dithers!
Cora Dithers
One reason Mr. Dithers is so irritable at the office is Mrs. Dithers at home. When riled, Cora is apt to refer to her husband as a short, fat, sawed-off, tin-can Napoleon. She exerts control over her husband in every conceivable way but primarily by verbal fusillade and the unmitigated violence of her ever-present umbrella. She adds injury (to his wallet) to insult by indulging in expensive shopping sprees with Blondie.
Herb Woodley
Dagwood's best friend and next-door neighbor. Dagwood and Herb play cards, borrow each other's tools and fight with each other on a regular basis. Whether they smugly convince themselves (wrongly) that they've just outsmarted their wives, or engage in a battle royal over a silly misunderstanding, they are and always will be buddies.
Tootsie Woodley
Blondie's business partner, best friend and next-door neighbor. Also her confidante and partner in crime (overspending and tricking Dagwood and Herb). Tootsie has as much trouble keeping Herb in line as Blondie has with Dagwood.
Mr. Beasley
Neither rain nor sleet, nor being knocked down by Dagwood's hasty morning exits will ever keep this mailman from his appointed rounds.
Elmo Tuttle
The 5-year-old neighborhood kid who is Dagwood's little pal -- and nemesis.