Piri's father, an immigrant from Puerto Rico who works various manual labor jobs and has a complicated relationship with Piri due to shared character traits and issues surrounding skin color.

Piri's mother, a light-skinned Puerto Rican immigrant whose supportive relationship with Piri provides him a sense of love and acceptance despite societal racial tensions.

One of Piri's best friends, a black man from the South whose belief that skin color solely determines race influences Piri's understanding of his own identity.

Piri's love interest, a beautiful girl from Puerto Rico with whom he shares a long-term relationship, marked by his desire for marriage and abstinence from premarital sex.

Piri's siblings who have lighter skin and "white features," leading to tensions within the family over racial identity.

Two white criminals who partner with Piri and his friend Louie in committing robberies, ultimately leading them into trouble with the law.

A fellow prisoner who introduces Piri to the teachings of the Nation of Islam, influencing Piri's spiritual journey while incarcerated.

A mixed-race aspiring writer who Piri meets, struggling with similar racial identity issues and exploring themes of race and identity through his writing.