Character guide

Kenneth Harper

major

Also known as Kenneth, Kenneth B. Harper, Dr. Kenneth B. Harper, Ken, Dr. Harper, Harper

A Black doctor returning to his Southern hometown, facing racism and violence while trying to practice medicine.

Jane Phillips

major

Also known as Phillips, Jane

Kenneth's love interest, a teacher who supports him and becomes involved in the community's racial tensions.

Bob Harper

supporting

Also known as Bob, Harper

Kenneth's brother, a farmer who faces economic and racial pressures in the South.

Sheriff Parker

supporting

Also known as Bob Parker, Bob, Parker

The local sheriff who navigates between the white power structure and the Black community.

Dr. Bennett

supporting

Also known as old Dr. Bennett, old Bennett, Doc Bennett, Doc

An older white doctor in town, initially skeptical but later shows some respect for Kenneth.

Dr. Williams

supporting

Also known as Williams

A Black physician who practices in the area and interacts with Kenneth professionally.

Roy Ewing

supporting

Also known as Ewing, Mrs. Ewing, Roy, Lee, Mrs. Roy Ewing

A white landowner and community leader, often in conflict with the Black residents.

Mamie

minor

Also known as Minnie Baxter

A Black woman in the community, possibly a domestic worker, who interacts with the Harper family.

Mary Ewing

minor

Also known as Mary, Ewing

Roy Ewing's wife, a white woman who shows some sympathy toward the Black community.

Judge Stevenson

supporting

Also known as Judge, Stevenson, Judge Stev'nson

A local judge who sometimes shows fairness but is constrained by the racist social order.

Dr. Scott

minor

Also known as Scott

Another physician in the area, possibly white, who interacts with Kenneth.

Mrs. Bradley

minor

Also known as Mrs. Bradley Kenneth, Kenneth, Ken

A woman who appears to be connected to Kenneth's family, possibly a relative or neighbor.

Tom Tracy

minor

Also known as Tom, Tracy

A white man in the community, possibly involved in the Klan or local politics.

Ed Stewart

minor

Also known as Brothers, Ed, Stewart, Brothers Ed Stewart

A member of the community, possibly a farmer or laborer, who interacts with the Harpers.

Emma Bradley

minor

Also known as Mrs. Emma Bradley, Mrs. Bradley, Emma

A woman in the community, possibly a friend or acquaintance of the Harper family.

John Anthony

minor

Also known as John, Anthony

A character in the community, possibly a businessman or local figure.

Mr. Wilson

minor

A white man in the community, possibly a merchant or official.

Bud Ware

minor

Also known as Bud, Ware

A Black man in the community, possibly a worker or neighbor of the Harpers.

Nancy Ware

minor

Also known as Nana, Nancy, Nancy Ware's

A Black woman, possibly Bud Ware's wife, who interacts with the community.

Jim Bradley

minor

Also known as Jim

A Black man in the community, possibly a friend of Kenneth's.

Mr. Stewart

minor

Also known as Stewart

A white man in the community, possibly a landowner or employer.

Henry Lane

minor

Also known as Henry, Lane, Commissioner Henry Lane

A local commissioner, possibly involved in politics or law enforcement.

Bill Van Vleet

minor

Also known as Good old Bill Van Vleet, old Bill, Bill, Van Vleet

A white man in the community, possibly a friend or acquaintance of the Harpers.

Brother Gordon

minor

Also known as Gordon

A religious figure in the Black community, possibly a preacher.

Mr. Phillips

minor

Also known as Mr. Phillips who had said nothing, Jane—and Mr. Phillips

Jane Phillips' father, a white man who is initially silent but later involved.

Hiram Tucker

minor

Also known as Tucker, Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. Hiram Tucker

A white man in the community, possibly a farmer or businessman.

George Parker

minor

Also known as Parker, George

Possibly related to Sheriff Parker, a white man in the community.

Reverend Wilson

minor

Also known as Reverend Ezekiel Wilson, the Reverend Wilson

A white preacher in the community, possibly involved in racial politics.

Mrs. Johnson

minor

A woman in the community, possibly a neighbor or acquaintance.

Mr. Taylor

minor

Also known as Taylor

A white man in the community, possibly a merchant or official.

Jim Archer

minor

Also known as Jim, Archer

A Black man in the community, possibly a friend or associate of Kenneth.

Brother Tucker

minor

Also known as Brother, Tucker

A religious figure in the Black community, possibly a preacher or deacon.

Mrs. Amos

minor

Also known as old Mrs. Amos, Old Mrs. Amos

An older woman in the community, possibly a neighbor or patient.

Jerry Bird

minor

Also known as Jerry

A Black man in the community, possibly a worker or friend.

Joe Todd

minor

Also known as Joe

A Black man in the community, possibly a laborer or neighbor.

Joe Harper

minor

A relative of Kenneth, possibly a cousin or uncle.

George Baird

minor

Also known as Baird, old Baird

An older white man in the community, possibly a landowner or official.

David Gordon

minor

Also known as Gordon, David

A man in the community, possibly a friend or associate of the Harpers.

Old Reverend Adams

minor

An older preacher in the Black community, possibly retired.

Will Hutchinson

minor

Also known as old Will Hutchinson, Will, Bill

A white man in the community, possibly a farmer or worker.

Jeff Anderson

minor

A Black man in the community, possibly a friend or associate of Kenneth.

Mrs. Phillips

minor

Also known as Soon's Mrs. Phillips

Jane Phillips' mother, a white woman in the community.

Mr. Anthony

minor

A white man in the community, possibly a businessman or official.

Nat Phelps

minor

A man in the community, possibly a worker or neighbor.

Professor Fuller

minor

Also known as Fuller

An educator, possibly at a local school or college.

Charley Allen

minor

Also known as Charley

A young man in the community, possibly a friend or acquaintance.