Tara Mae Thornton is a fictional character in The Southern Vampire Mysteries, a series of nine books written by New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris. In the television adapation True Blood, Tara is one of the major characters. She is portrayed as a strong, proud African-American woman, which usually causes problems with most of the residents of Bon Temps. In the novel, Harris describes Tara as having an olive complexion and dark hair.

Family life

Not much is given in the novels about Tara's family, except for the abuse by her alcoholic parents. On the television show, Tara's mother, Lettie Mae, is described as raging alcoholic, turned born-again fundamentalist who has brought nothing but misery to Tara's life. Despite enduring years of abuse, neglect, and disappointment from her mother, Tara still cares deeply about her mother's well-being and protects and helps Lettie Mae whenever she can. Tara is also the cousin of Lafayette Reynolds in the television show, who works as the short order cook at Merlotte's and deals vampire blood as a street drug called "V".

Living situation

In the beginning of the television show, Tara lived with her mother but could not put up with her alcoholic rages, so Tara moved in with her cousin Lafayette, but quickly moved out after discovering his bathroom has a web cam that watches the bathroom's users. Tara then moved into a small apartment by herself. She moved back in with her mother to help "cure" her mother of her demon. However, after a drunk driving incident, her mother refuses to bail her out of jail and kicks her out of the house. Tara is later bailed out by the mysterious Maryanne and takes up residence in the Maryanne's luxurious estate.
Tara has had many jobs, but consistently gets fired or quits after swearing at her boss or clients. She currently works at Merlotte's as a bartender.

Relationships

Sookie is basically Tara's only friend, Tara is very protective of Sookie, especially when Sookie started getting involved with the supernatural. Tara has also harbored a crush on Sookie's brother Jason ever since he stood up for against her mother when they were little.
Tara had a better relationship with Sookie and Jason's grandmother Adele Stackhouse than she did with her own mother, stating that she was more of a mother to her than her own mother could ever be.
Tara had a one-night stand with her boss Sam Merlotte, ever since then the two of them have explored the possibilities of a relationship.
In the books, Tara had a relationship with 'Eggs’ Benedict Talley. It has also been said she has slept with JB du Rone, who has been friends with Sookie and Tara from their school years. Tara and JB du Rone decide to elope because suddenly something clicked between them and they thought they should marry.
Tara is currently pregnant with JB's baby. She confides this to Sookie, telling her that she didn't plan on having a baby, but felt she should try her best and be the great mother that she herself never had.

Television portrayal

Rutina Wesley portrays Tara Thornton in True Blood.