Thelonious "Monk" Ellison is an African American English professor and novelist living in Los Angeles. He is highly educated, comes from a family of doctors, and feels alienated by a publishing industry that repeatedly rejects his work for not fitting into specific racial stereotypes. To center himself, he spends his free time woodworking and fishing.

Benjamin Ellison is Monk's late father, remembered as a dedicated doctor who maintained strict discipline in his household. He recognized Monk's intelligence and literary talents early on, forming a bond that sometimes distanced him from his other children.

The matriarch of the Ellison family devoted her life to serving her household. As the only member of her family who did not attend college, she sometimes feels a sense of inadequacy. She maintains a dignified presence even as she begins experiencing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.

Monk's sister is a compassionate doctor working at a women's clinic in a marginalized neighborhood of Washington, DC. Recently divorced, she bears the primary responsibility of caring for their aging mother and faces daily harassment from anti-abortion protesters outside her workplace.

Monk's brother followed the family tradition of becoming a doctor and currently lives in Arizona. He is experiencing a profound personal and professional crisis related to his sexual orientation, which has historically kept him at a distance from his conservative parents.

The protagonist of Monk's satirical manuscript, *My Pafology*. He is an exaggerated caricature of a young, angry man living in a marginalized Los Angeles neighborhood, characterized by a volatile temper and a deep sense of social alienation.

The dedicated caretaker for Mrs. Ellison at the family home in Washington. She treats the Ellisons as her own family, though she holds conservative views and openly expresses her dismay at the profanity used in Monk's novels.

The baby sister of Van Go Jenkins in Monk's fictional manuscript. She lives in a chaotic household and frequently witnesses her brother's erratic behavior.

One of the mothers of Van Go Jenkins's children in the *My Pafology* narrative. She is a high school student working toward her dream of becoming a nurse, but her goals are frequently disrupted by Van Go's aggressive presence.

One of Van Go Jenkins's associates who frequents the local pool hall in Monk's novel. He often participates in betting and trades harsh insults with Van Go and Tito.

Another associate of Van Go Jenkins in the *My Pafology* story. He hangs out at the pool hall and sometimes challenges Van Go's reckless behavior, advising him against making poor decisions.

A wealthy Black man who lives in a luxurious home in West Hollywood within the *My Pafology* narrative. He hires Van Go Jenkins as a chauffeur and is known for investing in marginalized communities by providing loans and legal services.

Mr. Dalton's privileged daughter in the *My Pafology* narrative. She asks Van Go Jenkins to drive her and her friend into the city, seeking out marginalized neighborhoods for entertainment.

The niece of Professor Tillman, the Ellisons' old neighbor in Maryland. She is a federal defender whom Monk meets during a family trip to the beach, sparking a romantic connection.

Monk's literary agent who constantly pushes him to write material that is more commercially viable. He represents the publishing industry's rigid expectations and encourages Monk to conform to market demands.

An editor at Random House who aggressively pursues the publication of Monk's satirical manuscript. She praises the work as authentic, completely missing its parodic nature.

A colleague of Monk's with whom he shares an occasional, casual romantic relationship. They interact during literary conferences, where they discuss their academic papers.

The successful author of a bestselling novel that relies heavily on stereotypes of African American life. Her commercial success deeply frustrates Monk and serves as the catalyst for his satirical writing.

A film producer who offers millions of dollars for the cinematic rights to Monk's parodic novel. He is eager to capitalize on what he perceives as an authentic street narrative for his next film project.