Character guide

Unknown

major

Also known as myself, your

The narrator and focal character, likely the author or a guide through the tenements.

The Boy

supporting

Also known as himself, The boy, your

A recurring young male figure, possibly a street child or apprentice.

Miss Ellen Collins

supporting

Also known as Miss Collins, herself

A charitable woman involved in tenement reform and aid.

David Smith

minor

Also known as Smith

A named individual, possibly a tenant or worker in the tenements.

Chief Inspector Byrnes

supporting

Also known as Inspector Byrnes

Police official leading raids on stale-beer dives and lodging houses.

Edward Mulhearn

minor

Also known as Edward

A named individual, possibly a police officer or local figure.

Joss

minor

Also known as himself

A character, possibly a tenant or worker, with limited narrative presence.

The Italian

supporting

Also known as the Italian, himself

A representative Italian immigrant, often depicted in the Bend or tenements.

A Gentle and Refined Woman

supporting

Also known as a gentle and refined woman who left in direst poverty to earn her own living alone among strangers, herself

A formerly well-off woman reduced to poverty, struggling alone in the tenements.

The Doctor

minor

Also known as the doctor, The doctor

A medical professional who appears in scenes of illness or reform.

A Woman Doctor

minor

Also known as herself, a woman doctor

A female physician working among the poor in the tenements.

The Stranger

minor

Also known as himself, the stranger

An unknown person who appears briefly in the narrative.

The Young Stranger

minor

Also known as the young stranger

A young unknown person, possibly a newcomer to the city.

Jesus Christ

minor

Also known as Christ, Jesus

Religious figure referenced in moral or reform contexts.

Jews

supporting

Also known as the Jews, the Polish Jews, many Russian Jews, themselves

Jewish immigrants, often depicted in Jewtown and sweater shops.

Mary Ann

minor

Also known as Ann, Old Ann

An older female character, possibly a tenant or street figure.

Mr. A. T. White

minor

Also known as White, Mr. White

A reformer or philanthropist involved in tenement improvement.

Mrs. Astor

minor

A wealthy socialite mentioned in contrast to tenement life.

Isaac Iacob

minor

Also known as himself

A named individual, possibly a Jewish immigrant or tenant.

The Czech

minor

A representative Czech immigrant, likely a cigar maker.

James Russell Lowell

minor

Also known as Jimmy, Probably Jimmy

A poet or literary figure referenced in the introduction.

Alderman Mullins

minor

Also known as Mullins

A local politician or alderman mentioned in the text.

The Chinese

supporting

Also known as their, themselves

Chinese immigrants, depicted in Chinatown and opium dens.

The Bohemian

minor

Also known as the Bohemian

A representative Bohemian immigrant, often a cigar maker.

John Chinaman

minor

Also known as The Chinaman, John

A stereotypical Chinese character in Chinatown scenes.

Paul

minor

Also known as St. Paul

Biblical figure referenced in moral or religious context.

McGloin

minor

A named individual, possibly a police officer or local figure.