Easy is a Black World War II veteran in his late twenties who recently lost his job at an airplane manufacturing plant. He takes deep pride in owning his own home in Los Angeles, viewing it as a symbol of independence and respectability. To make his mortgage payment, he accepts a temporary detective job from a mysterious white businessman. Easy is observant and pragmatic, guided by an internal voice developed during combat.

Daphne is a beautiful, seemingly white woman who has disappeared into the jazz clubs of Los Angeles. She is the object of Easy's investigation and the focus of several powerful men's attention. She frequently changes her presentation to match the expectations of the men around her, carrying a small fortune in cash while hiding from her past.

Mouse is Easy's childhood friend from Texas, known for his small, rodent-like appearance and his unrestrained, violent nature. He acts purely on instinct, lacking the moral hesitation that burdens Easy. Mouse's chaotic energy represents a dangerous but sometimes necessary force in Easy's life, even as Easy tries to distance himself from their shared history.

Dewitt Albright is a shady, affluent white businessman and former lawyer who deals in unofficial favors and investigations. He dresses entirely in light colors, contrasting sharply with the menacing nature of his work. Albright operates strictly on financial motives and uses intimidation to maintain control over those he employs.

Joppy is a highly successful former boxer from the 1930s who retired to run his own bar in Los Angeles. He is physically imposing with scarred features from his fighting days, but he generally maintains a friendly demeanor toward Easy. He serves as the initial bridge between Easy and Los Angeles's criminal elements by introducing him to Albright.

Todd Carter is the incredibly wealthy president of Lion Investments. He is a small, soft-spoken man who appears almost childlike, shielded from the harsh realities of the world by his immense financial power. He is deeply in love with Daphne Monet and is desperate to find her after she disappears under suspicious circumstances.

Matthew Teran is a wealthy, corrupt white politician who recently withdrew from the Los Angeles mayoral race. He is a grotesque, powerful figure involved in illegal activities and exploitation, utilizing his significant resources to intimidate his rivals and those caught in his web.

Frank Green is a notorious Los Angeles gangster with a fierce reputation for violence. He is known to operate in the illegal liquor distribution business and commands fear throughout the local community. He is one of the last people seen with Daphne Monet, making him a central figure in Easy's investigation.

Odell is an older, religious man who provides a quiet, steadying presence in Easy's life. He leads a comfortable existence and often advises Easy to avoid trouble or leave town when danger approaches. Despite his religious leanings, Odell does not judge the rougher aspects of Los Angeles life.

Junior is a large, powerful bouncer who controls the rough environment inside John's place. He is Hattie Parsons' nephew and previously knew Easy and Mouse during their time in Houston. He is a coarse, apathetic man who avoids taking responsibility for his actions.

Dupree is Easy's friend and former coworker at the Champion Aircraft factory. He is a hard worker who enjoys drinking heavily in his free time. He acts as Easy's primary connection to their former workplace.

Coretta is Dupree's girlfriend, a sociable woman who frequents the local clubs. She possesses valuable information regarding Daphne Monet's recent movements, which draws Easy's interest.

Miller and Mason are plainclothes police officers who target Easy. Miller is tall and relatively calm, while the stout Mason is prone to intense anger. They utilize brutal, racially motivated interrogation tactics to extract information.

Benny is the manager at the Champion Aircraft plant where Easy previously worked. He demands unquestioning submission from his Black employees, leading to Easy's dismissal when Easy refuses to apologize for a minor infraction.

Hattie controls admissions to the unlicensed nightclub known as John's place. She keeps track of the local gossip and shares information with Easy about the recent trouble involving the club's patrons.