*Water for Elephants* is set during the Great Depression, primarily within a traveling circus called the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. The protagonist, Jacob Jankowski, is a veterinary student who joins the circus after his parents' death. Key characters include Marlena, the star equestrian; August, her controlling and abusive husband who is also the animal trainer; and Rosie, an elephant who becomes central to the circus's fortunes and to Jacob's and Marlena's lives.