Wright’s mother, who symbolizes suffering in his life and faces serious health challenges while striving to care for her children amid systemic inequalities.

Wright’s devout Seventh Day Adventist grandmother, who pressures him to adopt her religious beliefs and serves as a significant figure due to family conflicts.

A Black Communist encountered by Wright, whose story reflects tensions within the Communist Party and serves as a cautionary example of conformity.

Wright’s father, whose early abandonment of the family leads to significant economic and emotional hardships for Wright.

Wright’s high school salutatorian and foil, who represents a more accommodating approach to dealing with racial and social dynamics.

An Irish Catholic coworker who assists Wright by lending him a library card, enabling Wright’s literary exploration.

Wright’s younger brother, whose separation from Wright following their mother’s stroke motivates Wright to seek employment.

Wright’s uncle by marriage, whose death introduces Wright to the harsh realities of racial violence.

Wright’s grandfather and a Civil War veteran, whose struggles for his pension underscore the precariousness of being Black in the South.

A boarder who briefly stays with Wright’s family and introduces him to the tale that sparks his interest in writing.

A mother and daughter in Memphis who rent a room to Wright and exhibit openness and kindness toward him.

Jewish shop owners in Chicago who provide Wright with one of his first jobs, representing more integrated social interactions in the North.

Alleged party enforcer at the John Reed Club who turns out to be an asylum escapee, highlighting issues of trust and transparency.