The novel begins with a fourteen year old girl named Celie writing a letter to God about how Alphonso, her “Pa” used to rape and abuse her mother. Now “Pa” has commenced to molest and abuse her. Celie explains that “Pa’ has impregnated her twice with a little boy named Adam and a little girl named Olivia. After she gave birth to her children, they were both taken away from her. She believes that “Pa” has either killed or sold her children. Celie’s mother dies soon after she finds out that Celie has given birth to two children by Alphonso. Additionally, Albert, who is referred to as “Mister,” wants to marry Celie’s little sister Nettie, but “Pa” does not want to give Nettie away to him. Instead he gives Celie away for “Mister” to marry.