Memphis is the middle-aged owner of a struggling restaurant in Pittsburgh's Hill District. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, he fled north after white men stole his farmland and killed his mule. He is highly industrious and demands fairness, currently fighting the city's eminent domain buyout of his building because he refuses to accept less than $25,000. His focus on self-reliance and material provision recently drove his wife to leave him.

Wolf is a local numbers runner who works for the Albert family's illegal lottery operation. He cultivates a tough, detached persona and claims to juggle multiple relationships with women in different cities to avoid settling down. Despite this aloof exterior, he is keenly observant of the community's struggles and maintains a quiet respect for the people around him.

Risa is the sole cook and waitress at Memphis's restaurant. When she was a teenager, she deliberately scarred her own legs with a razorblade to deter unwanted sexual attention from men. She is quiet, private, and deeply spiritual. She currently mourns the death of Prophet Samuel, a local religious leader she followed faithfully.

Holloway is a 65-year-old diner regular who observes the neighborhood from his booth. He serves as the community historian and philosopher, offering commentary on race, economics, and survival. He holds deep faith in the supernatural, specifically in the healing power of Aunt Ester, whom he credits with curing his hatred and saving his life.

Sterling is a 30-year-old man who recently finished a five-year prison sentence for robbing a bank. He is desperate to build a successful life but refuses to accept low-paying, exploitative labor. He is impulsive, frequently playing the numbers game in hopes of a quick payout, and immediately sets his sights on courting Risa.

Hambone is a man in his mid-forties with a degenerative intellectual disability. He is singularly obsessed with Lutz, a local white butcher who promised him a ham nearly ten years ago for painting a fence but only delivered a chicken. Hambone spends every day demanding the payment he rightfully earned.

West is a wealthy, widowed funeral director who operates the parlor across the street. Following the death of his wife, he dedicated his life entirely to accumulating money and property. He frequently cuts corners on expenses, wearing old shoes despite his immense wealth, and views the dead with pragmatic emotional detachment.

Aunt Ester is a legendary, offstage spiritual leader residing behind a red door at 1839 Wylie Avenue. Said to be over 322 years old, she connects the neighborhood's residents to their history and offers psychological and spiritual healing. When the play begins, she is reportedly ill, causing concern among those who rely on her guidance.

Lutz is the offstage white owner of Lutz's Meat Market. Nearly a decade ago, he hired Hambone to paint his fence, promising a ham for good work. He arbitrarily decided the work only merited a chicken, sparking a ten-year standoff with the disabled man.

Prophet Samuel is an offstage, recently deceased religious leader. He transformed himself from an itinerant preacher into a wealthy, untouchable prophet after a visit to Aunt Ester. His death has prompted thousands of devoted followers to flock to the neighborhood to view his body and leave money in his casket.