Zora Neale Hurston's supportive mother who protected her from her father's anger and encouraged her children to be ambitious despite racial limitations.

Zora Neale Hurston's father, depicted as a weak man who abandoned her following the death of her mother, leading to her feeling like an orphan during adolescence.

The white man who delivered Hurston and maintained a relationship with her into her childhood, teaching her valuable lessons about honesty and dignity.

Hurston's mentor at Barnard College, an influential anthropologist who encouraged her to continue her research as a folklorist with intellectual rigor.

A wealthy philanthropist known as "Godmother" by artists she supported during the Harlem Renaissance, who financially supported Hurston's work.

Likely Hurston's second husband, described as a tall, intelligent man, with whom she had a tumultuous marriage.

An actress who employed Hurston as an assistant and lady's maid, encouraging her education despite dealing with her own personal challenges.

The first mayor of Eatonville, where Hurston grew up, whose store's porch served as a community hub and exposed Hurston to African-American oral culture.

Hurston's older sister and their father's favorite child, who left home to escape ill-treatment after their father's remarriage.

Hurston’s brother, a doctor who took her in during her teen years, promising educational support but primarily seeking unpaid help for his wife.

Hurston's stepmother, depicted as a vindictive woman who contributed to Hurston's struggles during her late childhood and adolescence.

A successful writer and Hurston's employer during her time at Barnard, known for her eccentric personality and black-and-white fashion.

An African-American performer and friend of Hurston, whose public success masked personal insecurities and poor romantic choices.