Character guide

Zora Cresswell

major

Also known as Zora, Miss Zora, Zora Cresswell

Central character, a strong-willed Black woman who rises from poverty and fights for her community.

Bles Alwyn

major

Also known as Bles, Alwyn, Mr. Alwyn

Central character, Zora's love interest and a politically ambitious Black man.

Harry Cresswell

major

Also known as Mr. Harry Cresswell, Harry, Mr. Cresswell

Wealthy white landowner and politician whose actions drive much of the conflict.

Mary Taylor

supporting

Also known as Miss Mary Taylor, Miss Taylor, Mary

White schoolteacher who becomes involved in the lives of the Black community.

Miss Smith

supporting

Also known as Miss Sarah Smith, Sarah Smith, Miss Sara Smith

A white woman who employs Zora and becomes a mentor figure.

Colonel Cresswell

supporting

Also known as Cresswell, old Colonel Cresswell, the Colonel

Patriarch of the Cresswell family, a powerful white landowner.

Mrs. Vanderpool

supporting

Also known as Vanderpool, dear Mrs. Vanderpool

Wealthy white socialite who takes an interest in Zora's education.

Mrs. Harry Cresswell

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Cresswell, Harry Cresswell

Harry Cresswell's wife, a white woman caught in the social dynamics of the South.

Mrs. Grey

supporting

Also known as old Mrs. Grey, The rich Mrs. Grey, Grey

Wealthy white woman who hosts social events and influences local politics.

John Taylor

supporting

Also known as Taylor, Mr. Taylor

Mary Taylor's father, a white businessman involved in local affairs.

Mr. Easterly

supporting

Also known as Mr. Edward Easterly, Easterly, the astute Mr. Easterly

A shrewd white politician and businessman who schemes against the Cresswells.

Mr. Teerswell

supporting

Also known as Tom Teerswell, Teerswell, Mr. Tom Teerswell

A white businessman and political ally of Easterly.

Senator Smith

minor

Also known as Smith

A white politician involved in the national political scene.

Sam Stillings

supporting

Also known as Stillings, Samuel Stillings, Sam

A white businessman and political operative.

Mr. Charles Smith

minor

Also known as Mr. Smith, Charles Smith

A white politician and associate of Senator Smith.

Elspeth

supporting

Also known as Aunt Elspeth, old Elspeth, Elspeth Rich

An elderly Black woman, a spiritual figure in the community.

Helen Cresswell

minor

Also known as Helen, Cresswell

A young white woman, possibly a relative of the Cresswells.

Little Emma

minor

Also known as Emma

A young Black girl in the community.

The Judge

minor

Also known as Judge

A local judge who presides over legal matters.

Bishop Johnson

minor

Also known as Johnson

A bishop in the Black church, a community leader.

Robert

minor

Also known as Bertie

A young man, possibly a suitor or friend of a main character.

Congressman Cresswell

minor

Also known as Cresswell

A member of the Cresswell family who becomes a congressman.

Aunt Rachel

minor

Also known as Rachel

An older Black woman in the community.

Mr. Caldwell

minor

Also known as Caldwell

A white man, possibly a lawyer or businessman.

Thompson

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or worker.

Sam Collins

minor

Also known as Sam

A Black man in the community.

Miss Cresswell

minor

Also known as Cresswell

A female member of the Cresswell family.

Mr. Bocombe

minor

A white man, possibly a merchant or landowner.

Mr. Maxwell

minor

Also known as Maxwell

A white man, possibly a politician or businessman.

Rob

minor

A minor character, possibly a worker or friend.

Mr. Tolliver

minor

Also known as Tolliver

A white man, possibly a politician or lawyer.

St. John Cresswell

minor

Also known as John, Cresswell

A member of the Cresswell family.

Rev. Dr. Boldish

minor

Also known as Dr. Boldish

A minister, possibly white, who officiates at events.

Miss Jones

minor

Also known as Jones

A minor female character, possibly a teacher or companion.

Mr. Vanderpool

minor

Mrs. Vanderpool's husband, a wealthy white man.

Jim Sykes

minor

Also known as Sykes, Jim

A Black man in the community, possibly a worker.

Mr. Stillings

minor

Also known as Stillings

A white businessman, possibly related to Sam Stillings.

Jack Tolliver

minor

Also known as Jack, Tolliver

A young white man, possibly a friend of Harry Cresswell.

Sanders

minor

A minor character, possibly a worker or servant.

Carrie Wynn

minor

Also known as Carrie

A young woman, possibly a friend of Zora's.

Temple Bocombe

minor

A minor character, possibly related to Mr. Bocombe.

Mr. Todd

minor

Also known as Todd

A white man, possibly a politician or businessman.

Congressman Todd

minor

Also known as Todd

A white politician.

Nell

minor

A minor female character, possibly a servant or friend.

Jason

minor

A minor character, possibly a worker or community member.

Mr. Cole

minor

A white man, possibly a merchant or landowner.

Helene

minor

A minor female character, possibly a friend or relative.

Mr. Job Grey

minor

Also known as Mr. Grey, Job Grey

A white man, possibly related to Mrs. Grey.

Sister Maxwell

minor

Also known as Maxwell

A woman in the Black community, possibly a church member.

Sheriff Colton

minor

Also known as Colton

A local sheriff.

Uncle Jim

minor

Also known as Jim

An older Black man in the community.

Miss Helen

minor

A minor female character, possibly a teacher or companion.