A young, light-skinned Black woman from Philadelphia who decides to move to New York and pass as white under the name Angèle Mory. She views her race as an obstacle to happiness and equates whiteness with freedom and social mobility. Ambitious and restless, she attends art classes while actively seeking financial security and elevated social status.

Angela's darker-skinned younger sister, affectionately called Jinny. She appreciates the simplicity of everyday routine and takes deep comfort in family rituals. Proud of her Black heritage, she intends to work as a schoolteacher and maintains strong ties to her local community.

A young art student who claims to have emigrated from Brazil, changing his name from Cruz to Cross. He lives in Harlem and dedicates himself fully to his artistic principles, openly accepting the lifestyle of a struggling bohemian. He aims to paint overlooked individuals to highlight their everyday struggles.

A wealthy, conventionally attractive young white man who belongs to New York's upper-class social circles. He relies heavily on his father's money and approval for his status. He courts women aggressively but holds deeply prejudiced views, frequently making casually racist remarks without regard for those around him.

The dark-skinned father of Angela and Virginia. He works tirelessly to give his daughters a secure, middle-class upbringing in Philadelphia. His deep love for his wife sets a high standard for marriage within the family, though his skin color subjects him to systemic barriers that threaten his physical safety.

Angela and Virginia's light-skinned mother who occasionally passes as white for convenience and amusement. Having survived degrading employment as a young woman, she views her marriage as a protective sanctuary. She hopes her daughters will become independent schoolteachers to avoid the humiliations she faced.

A childhood friend of the Murray sisters in Philadelphia. He is a polite and steady young Black man who moves through the segregated realities of the city with quiet dignity. He initially shows a strong preference for Angela, largely ignoring Virginia's affection for him.

A white intellectual and artist living in New York. She runs in progressive, bohemian circles and hosts parties where individuals debate politics and individualism. Her gatherings serve as Angela's gateway into a wealthier social tier.

A white artist in New York who openly defies traditional gender expectations. She approaches life with a self-described masculine ruthlessness, openly pursuing what she wants without regard for polite societal norms regarding women's behavior.

A young Jewish woman who lives near Angela. She holds a curious mix of conservative and modern views. She focuses heavily on her impending marriage, displaying a willingness to sacrifice personal ambition for domestic security.

A talented Black art student who maintains a reserved demeanor. Because she assumes Angela is white, she keeps her distance, focusing entirely on her artistic assignments rather than socializing across racial lines.

A popular white schoolgirl who quickly befriends Angela before discovering Angela's racial background. Her sudden withdrawal of friendship upon learning the truth provides Angela with a painful lesson about how society values whiteness.

A white woman from Roger Fielding's childhood social circle. She openly desires a relationship with Roger and has the approval of his wealthy father, making her a safe and conventional choice for him.

A wealthy white man who runs in the same circles as Roger Fielding. He initially behaves aggressively when his romantic advances are rejected, exposing the transactional way he views dates with women.

A progressive Black intellectual who delivers lectures on racial pride. He speaks passionately about Black individuals lifting each other up, presenting a philosophy of collective pride that deeply affects his audience.