A childhood friend of Irene's with a pale complexion, enabling her to live as a white woman; she reconnects with Irene while keeping her heritage a secret from her husband.

An old friend of Irene and Clare’s from Chicago who also has a pale complexion and is married to a man who knows her true racial identity.

Clare Kendry’s wealthy husband, who is unaware that Clare is African-American and harbors racist views.

Irene's dark-skinned husband, a doctor who is discontent with his profession and dreams of moving to Brazil for a new beginning.

A famous white writer and friend of the Redfields, he spends much of his time in Harlem and is observant of the social dynamics around him.