Phoenix Jackson
Named after both the mythological bird that rises renewed from the ashes of a fire, and the city in which author Eudora Welty was born and died, the elderly black grandmother using a cane made from umbrella to maintain her balance while walking in unlaced shoes may seem far removed from the heroes of legend. Yet while Phoenix Jackson may move slowly, she proves that she is a force to be reckoned with due to her dogged perseverance along the path to her grandson's medicine.
The White Hunter
A young man with a gun and a dog who encounters Phoenix in the woods. He is mostly friendly, helping her up and suggesting she not try to make the long walk to Natchez, but at one point he also points his gun at her and asks if she is scared; this is a subtly aggressive action that reflects the racial tensions between blacks and whites in the South.
The Attendant
The attendant is rude to Phoenix, speaking sharply and impatiently to her. She seems both a little racist and ageist, but she does eventually modify her attitude by asking Phoenix if she'd like a few pennies because it is Christmas time.
The Nurse
The nurse knows Phoenix and her annual errand, and tends to be kinder and more accommodating to her than the attendant is. She gives off an air of efficiency, and seeks to get information from Phoenix so she can move on with her job.
The Grandson
Phoenix Jackson’s grandson does not actually make an appearance in the narrative progression of her journey, but his presence lingers in the penumbras of the story. He is a young boy who swallowed lye on accident two or three years ago, and has had throat damage ever since. Phoenix journeys to get him medicine once a year because she is apparently his caregiver now, though we do not know why. Some scholars have suggested the grandson is actually dead, but this is speculation.
The Lady
Phoenix asks this woman, who wears heavy perfume and carries wrapped Christmas presents, to tie her shoe for her. The woman kindly acquiesces.
