Milkman Dead

Milkman is the protagonist of the story. His father is Macon Dead II, also called Macon Jr., who is an emotionally dead landlord. His mother, Ruth Foster Dead, is the daughter of a doctor. Because Milkman's father was the town's first black doctor, Milkman was the first black child born in Mercy Hospital. Milkman was given his unusual nickname when Freddie, the town gossip, sees Ruth nursing Milkman when he was a child. Macon Jr. does not know where the nickname originated. Milkman has one undersized leg, which contributes to his feelings of alienation from his family and community. Though his family loves him, he does not return their love. Milkman is referred to as “odd” as a child, and after he is grown, even walks against the flow of traffic, which emphasizes he is different. Milkman's character plays with the idea of nature vs. nurture. His...