Character guide

Sandy

major

Also known as Sandy the papa, Casey Jones, ma little Sandy, Sandy chile, Annjelica Rodgers Sandy

The protagonist, a young boy growing up in a small Kansas town.

Annjee

major

Also known as ma Annjee, Tempy

Sandy's hardworking mother who struggles to support her family.

Aunt Hager Williams

major

Also known as Aunt Hager, Hager, ole Hager, Hager Williams

Sandy's wise and religious grandmother who raises him.

Harriett

major

Also known as Ma Harriett, That Chile Harriett, Aunt Harriett, Harriett Williams

Sandy's rebellious aunt who becomes a blues singer.

Jimboy

supporting

Also known as Jimboy Rodgers, sweet daddy Jimboy

Sandy's absent father, a traveling musician and dreamer.

Tempy

supporting

Also known as Aunt Tempy

Sandy's wealthy and judgmental aunt who takes him in briefly.

Buster

supporting

Also known as Willie-Mae, Willie, Mae, Bert

Sandy's childhood friend, a white-looking boy with a black sister.

Sister Johnson

minor

Also known as Johnson

A gossipy neighbor and church member in the community.

Jimmy Lane

minor

Also known as Jim, James

A local boy and friend of Sandy's.

Pansetta Young

minor

A girl Sandy admires and later dates.

Mingo

minor

A local character and friend of the family.

Charlie Nutter

minor

Also known as Charlie

A man from the community who interacts with the family.

Mrs. J. J. Rice

minor

Also known as Mrs. Rice

A wealthy white woman who employs Annjee.

Maudel Smothers

minor

Also known as Maudel

A friend of Harriett's in Chicago.

Billy Sanderlee

minor

Also known as Bill

A boy who works with Sandy at the barbershop.

Benbow

minor

Also known as Mister Benbow

A local businessman and property owner.

Harrie

minor

Also known as Aunt Harrie

An elderly woman from the church community.

Wim Dogberry

minor

Also known as Wim, Dogberry

A local man known for his drinking and stories.

Madam de Carter

minor

Also known as Madam Carter, Carter

A wealthy woman who hires Harriett as a maid.

Uncle Dan Givens

minor

Also known as Dan Givens

An older man who tells stories to the children.

Jap Logan

minor

Also known as old man Logan

A local troublemaker and drunkard.

Earl James

minor

Also known as Earl

A friend of Jimboy's who visits the family.

Pete Scott

minor

Also known as Mr. Peter Scott

A local musician and friend of Jimboy.

Tom Johnson

minor

Also known as Tom

A man from the community who works with the family.

Gee

minor

A local boy who plays with Sandy.

Sister Whiteside

minor

Also known as Whiteside

A church member and neighbor.

Mr. Siles

minor

A white storekeeper in town.

Ma Bailey

minor

Also known as Ma

An elderly woman who helps care for Sandy.

Cudge Windsor

minor

Also known as Cudge, sence Cudge

A local man who works odd jobs.

Joe Willis

minor

Also known as Willis

A friend of the family who helps out.

Mrs. Barr-Grant

minor

A white woman who employs Annjee briefly.

Mr. Prentiss

minor

Also known as Prentiss, old man Prentiss

A local barber who gives Sandy a job.

Sister Williams

minor

A church member and friend of Aunt Hager.

Brother Logan

minor

Also known as Logan, old man Logan

A church deacon and community figure.

Sadie Butler

minor

A girl Sandy meets at school.

Marster Robert

minor

Also known as Robert

A former slave owner mentioned in stories.

Mr. George Clark

minor

Also known as George, George Clark

A white businessman in town.

Mrs. Leonard Baker

minor

Also known as Mrs. Baker

A white woman who hires Harriett as a maid.

Moses Jenkins

minor

Also known as Mose, MO

A local handyman and friend of the family.

Seth Jones

minor

Also known as Seth

A boy who works with Sandy.

Miss Marcia McKay

minor

Also known as Miss McKay

A white teacher at Sandy's school.

Harrietta Williams

minor

Also known as Harrietta

A woman arrested with Harriett in Chicago.

Sarah Johnson

minor

Also known as Sarah

A neighbor and friend of the family.

Sammy

minor

Also known as Samson, Uncle Sam

A local man who helps with chores.

Cousin Jessie

minor

Also known as Jessie

A relative who visits the family.

Mrs. Lane

minor

Jimmy Lane's mother.

Dr. McDillors

minor

Also known as Old Dr. McDillors

The white doctor who treats Aunt Hager.

Mr. Harris

minor

Also known as Harris

A white store owner in town.

Mis' Gavitt

minor

Also known as poor Mis' Gavitt, old man Gavitt

A poor elderly couple in the community.

Reverend Braswell

minor

Also known as Reverend Duke Braswell

A visiting preacher at the church.

Roland Thomas

minor

Also known as ma Tom, Tom

A local man who works with the family.

Reverend Butler

minor

A minister in the community.

Greensbury Jones

minor

A local man mentioned in passing.