Irene is an African-American woman living a comfortable middle-class life in Harlem. She possesses a lighter complexion that allows her to pass for white when convenient, such as avoiding the heat at a restricted hotel café. Unlike others who pass permanently, Irene feels a strong allegiance to the African-American community and actively organizes social events like the Negro Welfare League dance. She values stability and order, often trying to control her family's decisions to maintain her secure lifestyle.

Clare is an African-American woman whose pale skin and blond hair allow her to permanently pass as white. Following the death of her father and a period of living with prejudiced white aunts, she severed ties with her past to marry a wealthy white man. Despite the material comforts her deception brings, she suffers from severe loneliness and actively seeks to re-enter African-American social circles.

Brian is Irene's dark-skinned husband and a successful physician working in New York. He despises his medical profession and holds a particular dislike for sick people. He harbors a strong desire to uproot his family and relocate to Brazil to escape the systemic racism and violence prevalent in American society.

John is a wealthy international businessman married to Clare Kendry. He is openly and aggressively racist, casually using slurs and expressing a deep hatred for African-Americans. He operates under the complete illusion that his wife is a white woman, attributing her darkening complexion to a physical quirk rather than her actual heritage.

Gertrude is a childhood acquaintance of Irene and Clare from Chicago. Like her friends, she possesses a pale complexion and passes for white, though she operates under different circumstances by marrying a white man who accepts her African-American heritage. She harbors deep anxieties about her racial identity.

Hugh is a prominent white author who frequents Harlem and takes a keen interest in African-American culture. He works alongside Irene to organize social events and observes the dynamics of the community with an analytical eye. He finds Clare Kendry fascinating but maintains a somewhat aloof distance.

Ted is the younger son of Irene and Brian Redfield. He lives a comfortable life in Harlem, shielded by his mother's desire to maintain a stable environment for her family.

Junior is the eldest son of Irene and Brian Redfield. His upbringing becomes a point of contention between his parents, particularly concerning what he learns from his peers and how much he should know about the harsh realities of American society.

Felise is a black woman and a friend of Irene Redfield in New York. She is part of the Harlem social circle and hosts gatherings for the community, providing a space where Irene and her acquaintances interact.

Mr. Freeland is a member of Irene's social circle in Harlem. He hosts parties alongside his wife, contributing to the vibrant social life of their community.