Tre Styles
Tre Styles is a young African-American male who is the protagonist of the story. The story starts with him being a young boy, smart but violent. After he has moved to his father’s house, Tre then aspires to get a college degree, have sex with his girlfriend, and uphold his relationship with his "Boyz".
Furious — Tre's Father
Furious, who is Tre's father, is a man who tries to be different than the other men in his community. He wants to be a good father to Tre and a role model for all the “boyz in the hood”. Furious also thinks he is better suited to raise Tre than Tre's Mom is.
Darrin "Doughboy" Baker
Doughboy is one of Tre's childhood friends. He does not share the same motivation Tre and Ricky have considering college, and he joins a gang instead. Doughboy is very committed to the gang life and is also committed to his friends.
Ricky
Ricky is Tre's best friend. Ricky lives with his mother, girlfriend, baby, and brother (Doughboy). Doughboy has been "in the life," but Ricky has stayed out of it. He is working hard to get a football scholarship and is talking to a college. They are worried about his academic side, but he is a football star. Even as a young father, he realizes that his prospects are still bright because of his athletic talent.
