# Art — Cane character guide

> Art in Cane by Jean Toomer.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** dear Art, III Art, Arthur

**First appearance:** 0033-part-ii-box-seat

## Who they are

A black man in a tense urban encounter with Carrie K.

## Relationships

### [Paul Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/characters/paul_johnson)

_friendship_

Art is a friend and fellow student of Paul Johnson, often involved in social outings and casual banter.

### [Paul Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/characters/paul_johnson)

_friendship_

Art is a friend and fellow student of Paul Johnson, often involved in social outings and casual banter.

## In the story

### [Bona and Paul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/chapters/part-ii-bona-and-paul)

Paul's white roommate, whose casual racism and obliviousness highlight the social dynamics of the era.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/chapters/part-ii-ii)

Paul's roommate, Art, is energetic and pragmatic, arranging a date for Paul and musing on Paul's 'dark blood' and moodiness.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/chapters/part-ii-iii)

Dressed in patent-leather pumps and a fancy vest, Art is joyful and confident, playing jazz on the piano and engaging in a petty quarrel with Helen.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/chapters/part-ii-iv)

Paul's roommate; dances with Helen; is frustrated by Paul's moodiness.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/characters/art
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/cane_se/characters