# Short Fiction — Character guide

> Key figures in Short Fiction by Nella Larsen.

- [Irene Redfield](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/irene_redfield.md): A refined, cautious Black woman navigating identity and security in 1920s Harlem.
- [Clare Kendry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/clare_kendry.md): A childhood friend of Irene who passes as white, risking everything for her past.
- [Brian Redfield](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/brian_redfield.md): Irene's husband, a doctor restless with Harlem life and racial constraints.
- [Gertrude Martin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/gertrude_martin.md): A mutual friend of Irene and Clare, married to a white man.
- [Hugh Wentworth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/hugh_wentworth.md): A white writer and friend of Irene, observant of racial dynamics.
- [John Bellew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/john_bellew.md): Clare's racist white husband who is unaware of her Black heritage.
- [Rene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/rene.md): A minor character at social gatherings, possibly a friend of Irene.
- [Felise Freeland](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/felise_freeland.md): A lively hostess and friend of Irene in Harlem society.
- [Theodore](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/theodore.md): Irene and Brian's younger son, a schoolboy.
- [Jack](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/jack.md): A minor acquaintance at parties, possibly a friend of Clare.
- [Obadiah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/obadiah.md): A dialect-speaking character in the 'Sanctuary' section.
- [Junior](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/junior.md): Irene and Brian's older son, a schoolboy.
- [Jim Hammer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/jim_hammer.md): A minor character at social events, possibly a friend of Hugh.
- [Margaret Hammer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters/margaret_hammer.md): A woman mentioned at a party, possibly Jim Hammer's wife.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_39_se/characters