Character guide

Matthew Towns

major

Also known as Matthew, Towns, Mr. Towns, Dr. Matthew Towns, Monsieur Towns

A Black intellectual and activist who becomes the central protagonist, navigating exile and political intrigue.

Sammy Scott

major

Also known as Sam, Sammy, Samuel Scott, The Honorable Sammy, The Honorable Sammy Scott

A powerful Chicago politician and ally to Matthew, deeply involved in machine politics.

Sara Andrews

major

Also known as Sara, Miss Andrews, Miss Sara Andrews, Sally, Sara Towns, Mrs. Sara Towns

Matthew's wife, a strong-willed woman who becomes a key figure in his political and personal life.

Kautilya

major

A mysterious and influential Indian woman who captivates Matthew and represents a spiritual and political ideal.

Mr. Perigua

supporting

Also known as Perigua

A radical revolutionary who advocates for violent resistance and becomes a foil to Matthew.

Jimmie Giles

supporting

Also known as James, Jimmie

A friend and associate of Matthew, involved in the political underworld.

Corruthers

supporting

Also known as Boss Corruthers, Mr. Corruthers

A corrupt political boss in Chicago who opposes Sammy Scott's faction.

Doolittle

supporting

Also known as Mr. Doolittle, the excellent Mr. Doolittle, Calvin Doolittle

A newspaper editor and political player in Chicago's power struggles.

Mrs. Beech

minor

Also known as Even Mrs. Beech

A society woman and political hostess in Chicago.

Mr. Graham

minor

Also known as Graham

A white liberal who interacts with Matthew during his exile.

Mr. Green

minor

Also known as Green

A minor official or associate in Matthew's circle.

The Japanese

minor

Also known as the Japanese, Gravely the Japanese

A Japanese diplomat or observer encountered during the international plot.

Big Boy

minor

A henchman or enforcer in the Chicago political scene.

Mr. Cadwalader

minor

Also known as Cadwalader

A lawyer or businessman involved in political dealings.

Captain the Honorable Malcolm Fortescue-Dodd

minor

Also known as Malcolm, Fortescue-Dodd, the Honorable Malcolm Fortescue-Dodd

A British officer and diplomat encountered in India.

Mrs. Therwald

minor

Also known as Therwald

A minor character in the social circles of the novel.

Mr. Amos

minor

Also known as some Mr. Amos

A minor political figure or associate.

Reverend John Carnes

minor

Also known as John, the Right Reverend John Carnes

A clergyman who appears in the narrative.

Mrs. Samari

minor

An Indian woman associated with Kautilya's circle.

Mr. Gray

minor

A minor character in the political landscape.

Maharanee of Bwodpur

minor

Also known as Maharanee, Bwodpur

The ruler of Bwodpur, a key figure in the Indian setting.

Mr. Jones

minor

Also known as Jones

A minor character, possibly a servant or associate.

Miss Gillespie

minor

A minor female character in the story.

Uncle George

minor

Also known as George

A relative or older figure in Matthew's life.

Bill Thompson

minor

Also known as Thompson

A historical figure referenced as a political mayor.

Radha

minor

A name from Indian mythology referenced in the text.

Big Ben

minor

Also known as Ben

A minor character, possibly a servant or worker.

Sam Johnson

minor

Also known as Johnson

A minor character mentioned in passing.

Connors

minor

A minor character, possibly a political operative.

Mrs. Smith

minor

Also known as Smith

A minor character, possibly a neighbor or acquaintance.

Mr. Murphy

minor

A minor character in the political milieu.

The old Rajah

minor

Also known as the old Rajah

A former ruler of Bwodpur, mentioned in the narrative.