Character guide

Jake Brown

major

Also known as Jake, Mr. Jacob Brown, Jakey

A Black soldier returning from WWI, searching for belonging and love in Harlem.

Ray

major

Also known as Raymond

A Haitian intellectual and writer, Jake's friend, who struggles with identity and purpose.

Zeddy Plummer

supporting

Also known as Zeddy

A hustler and gambler in Harlem, involved in the underworld and conflicts with Jake.

Felice

major

A young woman Jake falls for; she is independent and works in a cabaret.

Gin-head Susy

supporting

Also known as Susy

A tough, hard-drinking woman who runs a speakeasy and is a mother figure to some.

Congo Rose

supporting

Also known as Rose, Rosalind, the Congo

A flamboyant cabaret performer and madam, a central figure in Harlem nightlife.

Jerco

minor

A friend and fellow worker of Jake's on the railroad, part of the laboring community.

Billy Biasse

supporting

Also known as Billy

A gambler and friend of Jake's, involved in the Harlem social scene.

Miss Curdy

supporting

A light-skinned woman who is a love interest of Ray's, representing a certain social type.

Madame Laura

minor

Also known as Laura

A woman who runs a boarding house, providing a home for some of the characters.

Yaller Prince

minor

Also known as Yaller, Yaller gal

A light-skinned man, a rival or foil in the Harlem social dynamics.

Ma Lawton

minor

Also known as Ma

An older woman, a maternal figure in the community, providing wisdom and care.

Aunt Hattie

minor

An older relative or community elder, offering a link to the past and traditions.

Nije Gridley

minor

Also known as Nije

A friend of Jake's, part of the railroad crew and social circle.

Agatha

minor

A woman who appears in the narrative, possibly a romantic interest or acquaintance.

Uncle Doc

minor

Also known as Doc

An older man, perhaps a healer or wise figure in the community.

Strawberry Lips

minor

A character with a distinctive nickname, part of the Harlem scene.

Madame Adeline Suarez

minor

Also known as Madame Suarez

A woman of some status, possibly a business owner or socialite in Harlem.

Honey

minor

A term of endearment used for a character, possibly a lover or friend.

Maunie Whitewing

minor

Also known as Maunie

A character who appears in the narrative, possibly a dancer or performer.

James Grant

minor

Also known as Grant, James

A character who interacts with the main cast, possibly a friend or acquaintance.

Madame Mulberry

minor

A woman of some standing, possibly a landlady or businesswoman.

Elijah Bowers

minor

Also known as Bowers

A character who appears in the narrative, possibly a worker or friend.

Buddy

minor

A friend or companion, possibly a nickname for one of the main characters.

Gertie Blake

minor

Also known as Gertie

A woman who appears in the narrative, possibly a love interest or acquaintance.

Gertie Kendall

minor

A woman who appears in the narrative, possibly a performer or socialite.

Happy

minor

A character with a cheerful disposition, part of the social circle.

The Wolf

minor

Also known as Wolf

A character referred to by nickname, possibly a predator or dangerous figure.

Dixie Red

minor

A character with a nickname, possibly a musician or performer.

Bull Durham

minor

Also known as Bull

A character named after the tobacco, possibly a tough or strong figure.

Sah Farrel

minor

A character who appears in the narrative, possibly a friend or acquaintance.

Obadiah

minor

A character who appears in the narrative, possibly a religious or wise figure.