Character guide

Joe Hamilton

major

Also known as Joe, Hamilton, Joey, little Joe

Young man who moves to New York after family tragedy, becomes a singer.

Berry Hamilton

major

Also known as Berry

Loyal butler falsely accused of theft, struggles to rebuild his life.

Kitty Hamilton

major

Also known as Kit, Kitty, Miss Kitty, Kitty Hamilton

Joe's sister, a pretty young woman who adapts to city life.

Maurice Oakley

major

Also known as Oakley, Maurice, old Oakley

Wealthy white employer of Berry, whose accusation sets the plot in motion.

Fannie Hamilton

supporting

Also known as Fannie

Berry's wife, who struggles with poverty and separation from her family.

Francis Oakley

supporting

Also known as Francis, Frank, Frank Oakley, Mistah Frank

Maurice's brother, a dissolute man with a secret past.

Mr. Skaggs

supporting

Also known as Skaggs

A reporter who investigates Berry's case and writes sensational articles.

Hattie Sterling

supporting

Also known as Hattie, the divine Hattie

A glamorous singer in New York who befriends Joe and Kitty.

Mr. Thomas

supporting

Also known as Mr. William Thomas, Thomas, old Thomas, Tom

A New York club owner and theatrical manager.

Mrs. Oakley

supporting

Also known as the new Mrs. Oakley

Maurice Oakley's second wife, a cold and manipulative woman.

Mrs. Hamilton

minor

Also known as old Hamilton, Even Mrs. Hamilton

Berry's elderly mother, who lives with the family in the early chapters.

Minty Brown

minor

Also known as Minty, old Minty

A gossipy neighbor who spreads rumors about the Hamiltons.

Sadness

minor

Also known as old Sadness, Trust old Sadness

A comic character, possibly a dog or a personification of gloom.

Martin

minor

Also known as Mr. Martin

A friend or acquaintance of the Hamiltons in New York.

Mrs. Jones

minor

Also known as Jones

A neighbor or landlady in the Hamilton's New York building.

Skaggsy

minor

Also known as old Skaggsy

A nickname for Mr. Skaggs, used familiarly.

Claire Lessing

minor

Also known as Claire

A young woman who becomes involved with Joe in New York.

Beachfield Davis

minor

Also known as Mr. Beachfield Davis, Beachfield, Mr. Davis, Davis

A friend of the Oakley family, possibly a lawyer or gentleman.

Lady Leslie

minor

Also known as Leslie

A socialite mentioned in connection with the Oakleys.

Colonel Saunders

minor

Also known as The Colonel, Colonel

A Southern gentleman and friend of the Oakley family.

Horace Talbot

minor

Also known as old Horace Talbot, Mr. Talbot, Old Horace

An elderly acquaintance of the Oakleys, possibly a judge.

Wallace

minor

Also known as Poor Wallace

A minor character, possibly a servant or friend of the Hamiltons.

Esterton

minor

A place or possibly a person mentioned in passing.

Jack

minor

A minor character, possibly a waiter or servant.

Old Isaac Brown

minor

An elderly black man in the community, possibly Minty's husband.

Viola

minor

Also known as VI Outcasts

A character mentioned briefly, possibly a singer or dancer.

Dodson

minor

A minor character, possibly a lawyer or police officer.

Maudie

minor

A young woman mentioned in the New York scenes.

Mrs. Gibson

minor

Also known as Gibson

A neighbor or acquaintance of the Hamiltons.