Banjo

Ray

Banjo and Ray share a deep, brotherly bond, often relying on each other for support and adventure.

Latnah

Banjo and Latnah have a passionate, complicated romance, with moments of tenderness and conflict.

Malty Avis

Banjo and Malty Avis are frequent adversaries, clashing over goals and values.

Goosey

Banjo and Goosey are loyal companions, often sharing lighthearted moments and mutual trust.

Bugsy

Banjo and Bugsy have a playful, supportive friendship, with Bugsy often providing comic relief.

Gal

Banjo and Gal have a warm, familial friendship, with Gal acting as a grounding presence.

Pardner

Banjo and Pardner are close allies, often teaming up for schemes and escapades.

Taloufa

Banjo and Taloufa have a bond of mutual respect, often exchanging stories and wisdom.

Dengel

Banjo and Dengel have a steady, reliable friendship, often working together in harmony.

Lonesome Blue

Banjo and Lonesome Blue have a quiet, understanding friendship, with a shared sense of solitude.

Ginger

Banjo and Ginger have a casual, friendly relationship, often sharing light conversation.

Sarka

Banjo and Sarka have a respectful, cooperative friendship, often working toward common goals.

Dedication

The dedication names Ruthope, which is an alias for Banjo, the central character.

Banjo

Central character introduced in the chapter, the focus of the story.

First Part

The central figure, a carefree and irresponsible wanderer who forms a gang and navigates the precarious life of the docks and bars of Marseille.

I: The Ditch

Arrives in Marseilles, spends his money, and is now broke. He meets Malty's gang and plays his banjo, dreaming of forming an orchestra.

II: The Breakwater

Recovering from his wound, dreams of forming an orchestra, and engages in playful yet tense interactions with Latnah.

III: Malty Turned Down

Banjo is in a relationship with Latnah, but he takes it casually, saying 'Easy come, easy go.' He confronts Malty over his advances toward Latnah, leading to a fight.

IV: Hard Feeding

Disgusted by the feeding frenzy, refuses to degrade himself, and leaves abruptly on a boat.

V: “Jellyroll”

Finds deep satisfaction in the Café African's all-Negro atmosphere, plays 'Shake That Thing' for wine instead of sous, and dreams of forming an orchestra. He leads the impromptu band and remains carefree after the brawl.

Second Part

The central figure, leading a carefree life in the Ville, rejecting work, and forming a gang. He is injured and cared for by Latnah.

VI: Meeting-Up

Banjo expresses interest in Ray's work but quickly loses interest, preferring to discuss vagabond life. He argues with the café proprietor about Marcus Garvey.

VII: The Flute-Boy

Recruits the flute-boy for his orchestra, defends his banjo playing against accusations of it being a symbol of slavery.

VIII: A Carved Carrot

Leads the group with a rough but charismatic demeanor, orchestrating music and navigating the Ditch's dangers.

IX: Taloufa's Shirttail

Takes Taloufa to see the breakwater, persuades him to leave a girl to play music for English visitors, and later comments on Taloufa's romantic choices.

X: Storytelling

Proudly announces Ray as a 'writing black' and encourages the group to listen to Ray's story.

XI: Everybody Doing It

Banjo is mentioned as having played for the two Englishmen on a previous night, connecting them to the beach boys' circle.

XII: Bugsy's Chinese Pie

Shares his earnings, defends his generosity, and tells a story about Jerco.

XIII: Bugsy Comes Back at Banjo

Spending money on Chère Blanche, seen as color-blind to race, mocked by Latnah, and threatened with a dagger.

XIV: Telling Jokes

Avoids Lonesome Blue, refuses to encourage him, and engages in the debate about jokes, showing his disdain for those who lose the vagabond spirit.

XV: White Terror

Banjo is at the Senegalese Bar when Ray arrives with the seamen. He is in a merrymaking mood and becomes the center of attention. He shares his cynical view on French attitudes, noting that they are also driven by money, and suggests they go to the Ditch to avoid the 'crackers'.

XVI: The “Blue Cinema”

Mentioned as part of the group at the café, but not actively involved in the conversations.

XVII: Breaking-Up

Leaves with wealthy companions for the Riviera, despite Ray's warnings, causing the group to fall apart.

Third Part

Continues to lead his group, seeking work and maintaining his carefree yet determined spirit.

XVIII: Banjo’s Return

Returns to the Vieux Port, loses his banjo to a trick, and takes up coal work, becoming a steady laborer.

XIX: Lonesome Blue Again

Not present in the chapter but is the subject of Ray's thoughts and advice. At the end, Ray learns Banjo is suddenly ill and dying.

XX: The Rock of Refuge

Suffering from severe kidney pain, he is admitted to the Hôtel Dieu hospital. He reluctantly considers America as home and asks Ray to write to his aunt.

Official Fists

Describes the police beating and articulates his philosophy of avoiding official affairs and the police.

XXII: Reaction

Banjo is mentioned as part of the Ditch community, where Ray feels more at home despite the police harassment.

XXIII: Shake That Thing Again

Hosts the celebration at the African Bar, plays 'Shake That Thing', and has received notice to prepare for departure.

XXIV: The Chauffeur’s Lot

Joins the outing to the chauffeur's place, mocks Goosey's souvenir dirt, and warns the chauffeur to leave Latnah alone.

XXV: Banjo’s Ace of Spades

Argues with Goosey about race, reveals his brother was lynched and he fought in the war. Signs on a ship under a false name, takes a month's wages, and plans to jump ship to stay in Marseille, inviting Ray to join him.