Francis Barber
Barber is taken to America as a slave in the 18th century. He sets his mind on earning his freedom and eventually does, after many long years of work and humiliation. He's a determined man, bound to his intention. Based upon their brief acquaintance one day, Samuel Johnson is impressed by Barber's integrity. After Barber earns his freedom, he works for Johnson for many years until the older man's death.
Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson was an author living in the American colonies during the 18th century. In this narrative, he becomes friends with Francis Barber and offers him a job. They cultivate a mutually beneficial friendship until Johnson's eventual death.
Randolf Turpin
Turpin grew up in poverty along with several older brothers, raised by their single mom. His childhood ignorance about money becomes his downfall after becoming a boxing star. He only started boxing in the first place to earn his brothers' respect, but he discovered he was gifted. After winning the middleweight world championship, Turpin squanders all his money away, in part due to the greedy manipulative "friends" who buddy up with him. He's an easy target. Eventually he loses all of his money, popularity, and lives out his days quietly, always resenting the loss.
Turpin's Wife
She supports him through his career, but she cannot prevent him from losing his money or from associating with the wrong people. When the family becomes poor, she continues to stand behind her husband despite his increasingly foul humor.
David Oluwale
Oluwale was a stowaway from Nigeria in 1949. He's an ambitious guy who quickly learns the skills of business, survival, and the English language. Because of the rapid economic changes which industrialization bring to Leeds, where he lives, the locals begins persecuting foreigners. Oluwale becomes a victim of two policemen who follow him around and beat him up. He also gets arrested several times and even sent to a pscyh hospital. As the government continues to profile him, he loses valuable time and opportunities until finally he ends up on the streets where he eventually dies.
