India Wilkes Character Analysis in Gone with the Wind

India Wilkes is Ashley Wilkes’s sister. She is “pale and rabbit-like,” traits that Scarlett considers weak—she believes they came from the Wilkes’ history of marrying their cousins. India holds a grudge against Scarlett for stealing Stuart Tarleton from her before the war. India disappears from the story during the war, but she reenters Scarlett’s circle near the end of the novel, when she moves to Atlanta and lives with Miss Pittypat. After Scarlett is attacked, India accuses her of asking for it, and of endangering Frank and Ashley. When India sees Scarlett and Ashley in each other’s arms, she tells Melanie—who sides with Scarlett, forcing India to break ties with her brother.

India Wilkes Character Timeline in Gone with the Wind

The timeline below shows where the character India Wilkes appears in Gone with the Wind. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Practicality, Tenacity, and Selfishness Theme Icon

Brent suggests they go to the Wilkeses’, but Stuart doesn’t want to see India Wilkes. He’d once been her beau, but Brent thought she was boring. The twins didn’t... (full context)

...right that inbreeding weakened the family. John and Ashley Wilkes are handsome, but Honey and India Wilkes are pale and rabbit-like. John helps Scarlett from the carriage while Frank Kennedy, Suellen’s... (full context)

Scarlett starts up the stairs to fix her hair, briefly runs into India, and is distracted when a shy voice calls her name. It’s Charles Hamilton, a timid... (full context)

The Civil War and Reconstruction Theme Icon

...the strongest army. Then Rhett bows and excuses himself. The crowd continues murmuring. Scarlett sees India placating Stuart and feels guilty for breaking them up. Finally, the barbecue ends. Ashley strolls... (full context)

Then Gerald shares that Stuart is courting India at Twelve Oaks again. They’d always adored each other till Scarlett stole him. And Brent... (full context)

Looking Forward vs. Looking Back Theme Icon

...Ashley again. She thinks he is more attractive than ever. He sits between Melanie and India, and Scarlett wishes she could sit beside him. After hugging everyone, he’d finally kissed Scarlett.... (full context)

...refusing to jump fences as if conspiring with Ellen to keep Gerald home. John sent India and Honey to Macon and left Gerald to oversee Twelve Oaks. He kisses Scarlett and... (full context)

...and the Tarletons knew how. Scarlett adds that the Wilkeses do too. Grandma disagrees, saying India and Honey haven’t tried to catch rich husbands, and Ashley can’t even raise a plow.... (full context)

...an unkempt lawn. Scarlett thinks it’s ugly, but Melanie loves it; it’s her first home. India comes from Macon to live with them when Honey marries. India looks obviously like a... (full context)

Archie spits tobacco juice into the fire and India scolds him. Miss Pitty says she’s glad her father didn’t chew, and Melanie snaps at... (full context)

...sew and says she can’t believe Frank left her after what happened. Then she asks India why she’s staring at her so angrily. India says Scarlett asked for the attack by... (full context)

Scarlett shakes Melanie, demanding to know what’s happening. India says it means Scarlett has probably killed Ashley and Frank. Archie tells them to keep... (full context)

India lowers the shades. Scarlett notices a bloody spot on the chair Ashley sat on. He’s... (full context)

India returns with Dr. Dean, who gets to work on Ashley. Rhett takes Scarlett into the... (full context)

...of the KKK incident spreads through town. Every Klan member is ready to flee, but India goes from house to house telling everyone that Rhett said not to leave. They trust... (full context)

...she won’t visit a girl who married less than a year after her husband died. India maliciously adds that she definitely won’t call on the person who killed Frank. (full context)

...door. The ladies are shocked to see her gentle eyes flash with anger. Melanie accuses India of being jealous of Scarlett. India says she isn’t sorry, thinking of how Scarlett trapped... (full context)

...and she and Melanie embrace, but Melanie is firm. Mrs. Merriwether cries and Pitty faints. India slips quietly out. Later that night, in the Girl of the Period Saloon, Grandpa Merriwether... (full context)

...about Melanie still having that “desperado” Archie in her house. Melanie says he’s harmless, and India says he’s devoted to Melanie and would kill for her. Scarlett gets up to go... (full context)

...in the arms of an old friend. Suddenly, Ashley wrenches away because he sees that India, Archie, and Mrs. Elsing are standing in the doorway. (full context)

...her shoulders squared. Melanie slips an arm around Scarlett’s waist. Complimenting Scarlett’s dress, she says India couldn’t make it tonight, and would Scarlett host with her? (full context)

...popular than Fanny. Archie is a bad man and she never should’ve housed him, and India is still upset that Scarlett took Stuart from her. Melanie says India is vile, and... (full context)

...Ashley’s life and forced him to cut ties with his sister. He’ll always look into India’s eyes and see the horrible truth that he betrayed Melanie by pursuing Scarlett. It must... (full context)

...but the question is not whether Scarlett is innocent but rather who is more trustworthy, India, or Melanie. Those on Melanie’s side say Melanie wouldn’t associate with an adulterer. Those on... (full context)

Miss Pitty suffers the most because she loves Melanie but relies on India to live with her and care for her. Pitty’s fear of having to leave her... (full context)

Ashley, India, and Aunt Pitty are gathered inside. Ashley looks like a sleepwalker. Scarlett is afraid but... (full context)

...to Rhett, because he loves Scarlett. Scarlett promises, kisses Melanie’s hand, and leaves the room. India and Miss Pitty go in. Ashley is nowhere to be seen. Scarlett leans against the... (full context)

Scarlett opens the door and walks into the parlor. The tearful faces of Dilcey, Peter, India and Pitty greet her. India and Pitty come to her, but she snaps at them... (full context)