Richard Wright

Richard is the author and main character of the book. He is an idealistic, intellectually gifted individual whose ideas never fit in with those around him. From the very beginning he is at odds with his family, his peers, and the Jim Crow image that the south has assigned him. This never really changes. Even when he leaves the South to pursue a life in the North where he advocates for understanding and acceptance of Negroes, he is misunderstood by the very people he wants to help.

Ella, His Mother

Ella struggles to provide for her sons after her husband leaves her, but her ill health often makes this impossible. She seems to care about Richard, but she is very hard on him and does not hesitate to beat him severely when she thinks he deserves it.

Richard’s Father

Richard’s father deserted the family when...