Chino is a young man living in Spanish Harlem who earns his nickname through his fighting ability and distinctive cheekbones. He works at a market and attends Hunter College by night, seeking a stable life for his pregnant wife. His artistic interests and educational ambitions clash with the lingering debts and street politics of his neighborhood.

Sapo is Chino's unapologetic best friend who thrives in the underground economy of el barrio. He drops out of school to become a hustler, eventually securing a position within Willie Bodega's operations. He possesses strong innate self-confidence and operates by a strict code of street loyalty.

Bodega is a former political activist who operates as a powerful slumlord and street boss in Spanish Harlem. He manages the Harry Goldstein Real Estate Agency as a front, offering discounted rent and favors to build a loyal community following. He harbors a decades-old obsession with his former girlfriend.

Blanca is Chino's devoutly religious wife. She relies on her church congregation for social support and expects complete honesty from her husband. She works diligently to build a legitimate life and strongly opposes any connection to the criminal elements of el barrio.

Nazario is an attorney who serves as the legitimate public face of Willie Bodega's operations. He cultivates deep reverence from East Harlem residents by resolving legal and property disputes. He believes that building a new society requires certain moral compromises.

Vera is Blanca's aunt who departed Spanish Harlem years ago to marry a wealthy Cuban man in Miami. She has entirely shed her old identity, adopting affluent mannerisms and lightening her hair. Her return to the city sets off a chain reaction among the neighborhood's power brokers.

Negra is Blanca's volatile older sister who lives in a subsidized housing project near the East River. She acts as an unofficial information broker for the neighborhood, collecting rumors and leveraging secrets. Her turbulent personal life stands in direct contrast to her sister's religious devotion.

Alberto Salazar is a reporter for a local newspaper investigating the underground drug economy in East Harlem. His inquiries into powerful local figures place him in extreme danger.

Nene is Willie Bodega's physically massive but simple-minded cousin. He works as a loyal enforcer and bodyguard, following orders without question.

Aaron Fischman is a rival power broker in the neighborhood's underground economy. He actively works to undermine competing operations and maintain his own influence.

Victor is Negra's husband, characterized by his frequent infidelities and poor cover stories. He tries to avoid medical facilities where his various girlfriends work.

Claudia is an undocumented immigrant from Colombia seeking to solidify her status in the United States through marriage. She becomes deeply infatuated with a young preacher at her congregation.

Roberto is a seventeen-year-old preacher whom the church considers anointed. He delivers passionate sermons that provoke strong physical and emotional reactions from his audience.

John Vidal is a wealthy businessman living in Miami. His marriage to Vera provides her with financial security but lacks emotional warmth.

Mr. Blessington is a dismissive and antagonistic teacher at Julia de Burgos Junior High. He openly predicts failure for his students and initiates physical confrontations when challenged.

Mr. Tapia is an educator who attempts to guide young men in Spanish Harlem toward better futures. He understands the harsh realities of the neighborhood and intervenes to protect students from the justice system.

Captain Leary is an observant police official investigating the escalating violence in Spanish Harlem. He uses intimidation and photographic evidence to press suspects for information.

Officer DeJesus is a Cuban police officer working in Spanish Harlem. He displays open prejudice toward the local Puerto Rican population, often escalating tensions during routine questioning.

Doña Ramonita runs a local shop offering folk medicine and religious services. She performs rituals for neighborhood figures and provides ominous warnings about their endeavors.

Mr. Cavalleri is an established Italian crime figure who historically controlled portions of the underground economy. He values respect and traditional power boundaries.