# The Blacker the Berry — Character guide

> Key figures in The Blacker the Berry by Wallace Thurman.

- [Emma Lou Morgan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/emma_lou_morgan.md): Dark-skinned protagonist navigating colorism and identity in Harlem.
- [Alva Junior](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/alva_junior.md): Emma Lou's love interest, a light-skinned man with a wandering eye.
- [Braxton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/braxton.md): Emma Lou's college acquaintance who courts her briefly.
- [Geraldine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/geraldine.md): A light-skinned friend who embodies color prejudice within the community.
- [Hazel Mason](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/hazel_mason.md): A dark-skinned woman Emma Lou disdains for her perceived vulgarity.
- [Arline Strange](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/arline_strange.md): A light-skinned socialite and rival for Alva's attention.
- [Weldon Taylor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/weldon_taylor.md): A college student who shows interest in Emma Lou.
- [John](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/john.md): A suitor Emma Lou rejects for being too dark.
- [Truman Walter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/truman_walter.md): A light-skinned man who flirts with Emma Lou.
- [Bob Armstrong](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/bob_armstrong.md): A young man who dances with Emma Lou at a party.
- [Aloysius Washington](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/aloysius_washington.md): A college student who writes to Emma Lou.
- [Aloysius McNamara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/aloysius_mcnamara.md): A college student who corresponds with Emma Lou.
- [Cora Thurston](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/cora_thurston.md): A light-skinned woman who snubs Emma Lou.
- [Helen Wheaton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/helen_wheaton.md): A light-skinned woman in Harlem society.
- [Jasper Crane](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/jasper_crane.md): A man who attends a party with Emma Lou.
- [Amos Blaine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/amos_blaine.md): A man who flirts with Emma Lou at a party.
- [Mr. Angus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/mr_angus.md): A man who attends a party with Emma Lou.
- [Clere Sloane](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/clere_sloane.md): A woman who attends a party with Emma Lou.
- [Mazelle Lindsay](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/mazelle_lindsay.md): A woman who attends a party with Emma Lou.
- [Doris Garrett](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/doris_garrett.md): A woman who attends a party with Emma Lou.
- [Alta](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_blacker_the_berry_se/characters/alta.md): A woman who attends a party with Emma Lou.

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