A dark-skinned African American girl in Chicago who appreciates the simple, everyday beauties of life. She possesses a deeply reflective nature, often pondering mortality, race, and society. Throughout her transition from childhood to adulthood, she faces colorism, financial limitations, and the challenge of asserting herself in a society that often overlooks her.

Maud's older sister, distinguished by her lighter skin and graceful demeanor. She is frequently favored by her parents and peers, serving as a direct contrast to Maud. Helen is more concerned with material ownership, appearances, and social status than sentimental value, often criticizing the family's modest home.

A grocery clerk who becomes Maud's husband. He is lighter-skinned and harbors intense aspirations for upward mobility, dreaming of flashy apartments and social clubs. Despite his grand promises of an elevated lifestyle, he struggles financially. He cares more about appearances than genuine connection, often leaving his wife disappointed by his lack of emotional depth.

The matriarch of the Brown family. She tries to maintain a positive atmosphere in the household, such as distracting the children with walks during parental quarrels or dreaming of nicer apartments. However, she actively participates in the family's dynamic of favoring Helen over Maud, struggling to find sincere compliments for her darker-skinned daughter.

A working-class father striving to keep a roof over his family's head in Chicago. Despite his struggles to make mortgage payments, he acts as a solid provider and holds a desperate, sentimental love for the old family house. Like the rest of his household, he is particularly captivated by Helen's appearance.

Maud and Helen's brother. He is a quiet presence in the family's early years, remaining completely silent during a traumatic hospital visit to see their grandmother. He eventually leaves to fight in World War II.

The young daughter of Maud and Paul. Her arrival shifts Maud's perspective, making her reflect on the necessity of emotional support and the importance of family traditions. She inadvertently experiences the harsh realities of racism during a childhood visit to a department store Santa.

An academic acquaintance and former beau of Maud. He is acutely aware of his racial and socioeconomic background, leading him to covet the material markers of privileged white society, such as fine books and purebred dogs. His demeanor toward Maud turns cold and formal when he tries to impress his white peers.

A white woman married to a West Indian man, living as a neighbor in the kitchenette building. She initially viewed her interracial marriage as an exciting adventure but struggles with the mundane reality of domestic life, frequently questioning her choices.

A West Indian man who lives on the third floor next to Maud and Paul. He is married to a white woman who increasingly views their marriage as a mistake as the initial excitement fades into daily routine.

The owner of a local beauty parlor where Maud is a client. She prioritizes peace and business over confronting racism, choosing to remain silent and excuse a white saleswoman's casual use of a racial slur in order to avoid getting too sensitive.

A wealthy white woman who briefly employs Maud when Paul loses his job. She is condescending and oblivious, talking at her employee about lavish travels while enforcing degrading working conditions.

Maud's first romantic interest. He is described simply as a sexy flourish, representing a brief and fleeting teenage attachment before she moves on to more serious relationships.

A white classmate who visits Maud. His impending arrival prompts Maud to recognize the damaging racial stereotypes she has internalized, causing her to anxiously air out her house before he arrives.

A happy grocer who lives in Maud's apartment building. He considers himself lucky to be married to an elegant woman, even if she is adulterous, because he simply enjoys watching her primp.

Oberto's elegant but adulterous wife. She is not a domestic caretaker, but her husband remains devoted to her appearance and grace.