August Boatwright is a central character in the novel "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. She is a strong, nurturing woman who runs a successful bee farm in South Carolina during the 1960s. August is known for her wisdom, kindness, and deep understanding of the world around her, particularly in relation to the importance of bees and their role in nature. August serves as a mother figure to the protagonist, Lily Owens, providing her with guidance and support. She embodies themes of love, resilience, and the search for identity, helping Lily navigate her troubled past and discover her own strength.