Phyllisia Cathy
Phyllisia is a fourteen year old immigrant from the West Indies and the protagonist of the novel. Because of her race, Phyllisia is constantly bullied by her classmates as well as her teacher.
Ruby Cathy
Ruby is Phyllisia's elder sister who Phyllisia is always compared to by her father.
Edith Jackson
Edith is the only girl in the Harlem neighborhood that is nice to Phyllisia. Her attempts at friendship are originally rebuffed by Phyllisia because she is not well-to-do, but the duo later become very close friends.
Calvin Cathy
Carter is Phyllisia's restrictive father who often treats Phyllisia as less than her mother and sister. He later forbids Phyllisia from meeting with Edith.
Marian
Marian is another friend of Phyllisia who becomes very popular upon entering high school. Phyllisia initially has a falling out with her but later attempts to restore their friendship.
Ramona Cathy
Ramona is Phyllisia's mother who later comes down with breast cancer.
