A young Jewish boy trying to survive the harsh streets of New York City. He is observant and highly sensitive to the suffering of his neighbors. Often running with a street gang for protection, he develops a practical and politically aware perspective on the struggles of the working class. He questions the religious teachings of his community as he searches for meaning in his impoverished environment.

A Romanian Jewish immigrant and house painter who clings to the American Dream despite constant setbacks. He is fundamentally optimistic but prone to deep depression when faced with his harsh reality. As a house painter, his physical health slowly deteriorates due to the lead paint at his job. He relies heavily on his family for emotional support, placing the burden of his grand expectations on his children.

A Hungarian immigrant mother who handles the practical realities of keeping her family fed and sheltered. She works tirelessly to maintain order in their crowded tenement. Deeply religious yet highly practical, she never expects wealth but fights fiercely for survival. She embodies the spirit of community by feeding and advising neighbors regardless of their ethnic background.

Mike's younger sister is characterized by her sweet innocence and deep love of fairy tales. She happily shoulders household chores to help her parents. She maintains her gentle optimism despite the crushing poverty of the tenement building. Her persistent belief in magic sharply contrasts with her brother's growing cynicism.

A young woman whose attractiveness draws unwanted attention from dangerous men in the neighborhood. She works exhausting shifts at a clothing store and is an active participant in the labor movement, advocating for trade unions. Her vulnerability highlights the perilous position of women in the slums.

A local gangster who terrifies the building's residents and dominates the shared spaces. Orphaned at a young age and raised in state institutions, he grew into a violent criminal. He views himself as untouchable until the community briefly stands against him to protect a young woman.

A wealthy factory owner who embodies the ruthless exploitation of the immigrant experience. He initially employs his cousin but ultimately steals his business and vanishes. He serves as the primary source of Herman's lasting bitterness.

A young, cheap, and eccentric neighborhood doctor. He prescribes unusual cures, such as joining a labor union or opening windows. He genuinely cares for his patients and becomes a regular fixture at the Gold family's dinner table.

A wealthy, respected local doctor who grew up in Romania alongside Herman. He frequently reminds his former friend of their differing paths. He takes visible pride in his own financial success.

A young boy in Mike's street gang who shares in the daily struggle for survival. He explores the sweltering streets with his friends before a traumatic encounter with a predator forever changes his worldview.

A painting contractor who lives in a gaudy suburban home. He leverages his employees by pressuring them into questionable real estate investments in undeveloped neighborhoods.

A local businessman and political operative who exploits his fellow immigrants. He uses his wealth to manipulate poorer men into doing his dirty work.

A devout Chassidic Jew who struggles to adapt to the secularizing influence of America. He dreams of establishing a proper synagogue and bringing a respected rabbi from Europe.

A famous European rabbi imported by the devout Chassidic community. He quickly adapts to the American capitalist mindset and exploits his congregation.

A mystical healer who uses incantations, blunt knives, and molten lead to treat ailments. She represents the old-world superstitions that persist in the immigrant community.

The exploitative landlord of the tenement building and owner of a local pawnshop. He refuses to maintain the crumbling plumbing, prioritizing his profits over the health and safety of his tenants.

A stingy, awkward immigrant who lives rent-free with the Golds to hoard his wages. He refuses to spend any money, making him widely resented in the community.

A former sailor who, like Fyfka, takes advantage of the neighborhood's hospitality. His charisma and entertaining personality make him a beloved figure rather than a resented one.

An old, dirty truck horse named after the Yiddish word for thief. The animal is beaten by a disabled local man, prompting theological questions from the local children.

A neighborhood pimp who manages twenty girls and provides them with protection. He justifies his exploitative trade by claiming he helps young women earn enough to bring their parents over from Europe.

An alcoholic, suicidal prostitute trapped in crushing poverty on the Lower East Side. Her tragic life unfolds entirely within the crowded confines of the tenement building.

A strict rabbi who forces the neighborhood children to memorize long Hebrew prayers. His filthy apartment and harsh methods thoroughly disgust his young students.