Maxine Fortenberry is a resident of Bon Temps and the mother of Hoyt Fortenberry. She's characterized by her over-protective and possessive relationship with her son and (despite his age) treats him as though he's a child. In the first season, she appears to be open-minded toward vampire rights; concerned that Bill Compton will be injured in the presence of a cross and wanting to have her picture taken with him.

In the second season, when Hoyt introduces her to Jessica Hamby, she is revealed to be less forward thinking than her previous appearances suggested. In their initial meeting, she blatantly tells Jessica that she disapproves of her son having a relationship with a vampire. Maxine is among the many residents of Bon Temps that fall under Maryann's influence. While possessed, she reveals to Hoyt that his father's death is actually a suicide and she only claims he is killed fighting a robber to collect on insurance.