A coal miner suffering from work-related illness, he is the loving father of Cussy Mary, who is determined to find her a respectable marriage and improve her life.

An eligible bachelor and landowner who shares Cussy Mary's love for books and appreciates her for who she is, accepting her blue skin without prejudice.

An unpleasant man and the initial antagonist who seeks to marry Cussy Mary for her dowry, revealing his ignoble nature.

Charlie Frazier's relative and a preacher, he becomes a later antagonist, motivated by his twisted views on purity and redemption concerning Cussy Mary's unique skin color.

The village doctor who conducts research in Lexington and blackmails Cussy Mary into participating in his experiments after witnessing a significant incident.

A couple on Cussy Mary's library route, where Angeline, eager to learn, befriends Cussy Mary, while Willie, prejudice against the Blues, is eventually troubled by his own family's connection to them.

A diverse group Cussy Mary serves, some of whom initially harbor prejudice but gradually form deep bonds with her due to her dedication and kindness.

Divided into those who shun Cussy Mary due to prejudice, such as Harriett and Eula, and those who befriend her, like Queenie, the latter serving as a source of support and inspiration.