Meggie Cleary is the main character in the novel "The Thorn Birds" by Colleen McCullough. She is the daughter of a sheep farmer in the Australian outback and grows up in a challenging environment. Meggie's life is marked by her strong will and desire for love, which shapes her relationships and choices throughout the story. Throughout the novel, Meggie experiences deep emotional struggles, particularly in her love for Father Ralph de Bricassart, a Catholic priest. Her journey explores themes of sacrifice, longing, and the complexities of family dynamics, making her a relatable and enduring character in literature.