# How the Other Half Lives — Character guide

> Key figures in How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis.

- [Unknown](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/unknown_narrator.md): The narrator and focal character, likely the author or a guide through the tenements.
- [The Boy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/the_boy.md): A recurring young male figure, possibly a street child or apprentice.
- [Miss Ellen Collins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/miss_ellen_collins.md): A charitable woman involved in tenement reform and aid.
- [David Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/david_smith.md): A named individual, possibly a tenant or worker in the tenements.
- [Chief Inspector Byrnes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/chief_inspector_byrnes.md): Police official leading raids on stale-beer dives and lodging houses.
- [Edward Mulhearn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/edward_mulhearn.md): A named individual, possibly a police officer or local figure.
- [Joss](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/joss.md): A character, possibly a tenant or worker, with limited narrative presence.
- [The Italian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/the_italian.md): A representative Italian immigrant, often depicted in the Bend or tenements.
- [A Gentle and Refined Woman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/refined_woman_in_poverty.md): A formerly well-off woman reduced to poverty, struggling alone in the tenements.
- [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/the_doctor.md): A medical professional who appears in scenes of illness or reform.
- [A Woman Doctor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/woman_doctor.md): A female physician working among the poor in the tenements.
- [The Stranger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/the_stranger.md): An unknown person who appears briefly in the narrative.
- [The Young Stranger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/the_young_stranger.md): A young unknown person, possibly a newcomer to the city.
- [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/jesus_christ.md): Religious figure referenced in moral or reform contexts.
- [Jews](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/jews.md): Jewish immigrants, often depicted in Jewtown and sweater shops.
- [Mary Ann](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/mary_ann.md): An older female character, possibly a tenant or street figure.
- [Mr. A. T. White](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/mr_a_t_white.md): A reformer or philanthropist involved in tenement improvement.
- [Mrs. Astor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/mrs_astor.md): A wealthy socialite mentioned in contrast to tenement life.
- [Isaac Iacob](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/isaac_iacob.md): A named individual, possibly a Jewish immigrant or tenant.
- [The Czech](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/the_czech.md): A representative Czech immigrant, likely a cigar maker.
- [James Russell Lowell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/james_russell_lowell.md): A poet or literary figure referenced in the introduction.
- [Alderman Mullins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/alderman_mullins.md): A local politician or alderman mentioned in the text.
- [The Chinese](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/the_chinese.md): Chinese immigrants, depicted in Chinatown and opium dens.
- [The Bohemian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/the_bohemian.md): A representative Bohemian immigrant, often a cigar maker.
- [John Chinaman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/john_chinaman.md): A stereotypical Chinese character in Chinatown scenes.
- [Paul](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/paul.md): Biblical figure referenced in moral or religious context.
- [McGloin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters/mc_gloin.md): A named individual, possibly a police officer or local figure.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/characters