Character guide

Matthew Towns

major

Also known as Matthew, Towns, Mr. Towns, Dr. Matthew Towns, Monsieur Towns

Matthew Towns walks out of the University of Manhattan with his honors flung in a dean's face, his medical career destroyed by the color line, and boards a ship toward Berlin. He is proud, quick to fury, and hungry for a purpose large enough to absorb his grief. His voyage outward sets the novel's central question: what will a gifted, wounded man do with his freedom?

Sammy Scott

major

Also known as Sam, Sammy, Samuel Scott, The Honorable Sammy, The Honorable Sammy Scott

Sammy Scott built his power by selling protection to gamblers and brothel-keepers, then using the cash to bribe officials and organize Negro voters. He is genial, patient, and utterly unsentimental about the machinery he runs. When Matthew enters his orbit, Sammy becomes both mentor and test of how far a principled man can work inside a corrupt system.

Sara Andrews

major

Also known as Sara, Miss Andrews, Miss Sara Andrews, Sally, Sara Towns, Mrs. Sara Towns

Sara Andrews fought her way out of Indiana, refused every man who tried to 'fool' her, and became secretary to the Honorable Sammy Scott. She is thin, tailored, and disconcerting—men look, but do not flirt twice. Her professional curiosity about Matthew's case slowly becomes something more personal, making her a quiet force in his political and private life.

Kautilya

major

Kautilya moves between silk robes, Beethoven, and the secret politics of a global darker world, her eyes holding both surrender and command. She sees in Matthew's Virginia mother a goddess and in Matthew himself a partner for a cause larger than America. Her whispered life story—'a Thousand Nights and a Night'—draws him toward a vision of colored peoples rising together.

Mr. Perigua

supporting

Also known as Perigua

Perigua stands at the edge of Matthew's world as the voice that refuses patience, compromise, and the slow grind of politics. Where Sammy Scott works the machine and Kautilya works the spirit, Perigua works the fuse. His presence forces Matthew—and the reader—to weigh the cost of rage against the cost of waiting.

Jimmie Giles

supporting

Also known as James, Jimmie

Jimmie Giles belongs to the shadow network around Sammy Scott, the kind of man who carries messages, remembers faces, and survives by being useful. He is loyal to Matthew in the way of men who have learned not to ask too many questions. His presence grounds the novel's political intrigue in the everyday texture of Black Chicago.

Corruthers

supporting

Also known as Boss Corruthers, Mr. Corruthers

A Chicago political boss whose machine trades in favors and silence, Corruthers treats Black votes as currency and rivals as obstacles to be broken.

Doolittle

supporting

Also known as Mr. Doolittle, the excellent Mr. Doolittle, Calvin Doolittle

An editor whose newspaper ink doubles as political leverage, Doolittle weighs principle against the price of access in Chicago's contested Black wards.

The Japanese

minor

Also known as the Japanese, Gravely the Japanese

A Japanese diplomat or observer encountered during the international plot.

Captain the Honorable Malcolm Fortescue-Dodd

minor

Also known as Malcolm, Fortescue-Dodd, the Honorable Malcolm Fortescue-Dodd

A British officer and diplomat encountered in India.

Maharanee of Bwodpur

minor

Also known as Maharanee, Bwodpur

The ruler of Bwodpur, a key figure in the Indian setting.

Mrs. Beech

minor

Also known as Even Mrs. Beech

A society woman and political hostess in Chicago.

Mr. Graham

minor

Also known as Graham

A white liberal who interacts with Matthew during his exile.

Mr. Green

minor

Also known as Green

A minor official or associate in Matthew's circle.

Big Boy

minor

A henchman or enforcer in the Chicago political scene.

Mr. Cadwalader

minor

Also known as Cadwalader

A lawyer or businessman involved in political dealings.

Mrs. Therwald

minor

Also known as Therwald

A minor character in the social circles of the novel.

Mr. Amos

minor

Also known as some Mr. Amos

A minor political figure or associate.

Reverend John Carnes

minor

Also known as John, the Right Reverend John Carnes

A clergyman who appears in the narrative.

Mrs. Samari

minor

An Indian woman associated with Kautilya's circle.

Mr. Gray

minor

A minor character in the political landscape.

Mr. Jones

minor

Also known as Jones

A minor character, possibly a servant or associate.

Miss Gillespie

minor

A minor female character in the story.

Uncle George

minor

Also known as George

A relative or older figure in Matthew's life.

Bill Thompson

minor

Also known as Thompson

A historical figure referenced as a political mayor.

Radha

minor

A name from Indian mythology referenced in the text.

Big Ben

minor

Also known as Ben

A minor character, possibly a servant or worker.

Sam Johnson

minor

Also known as Johnson

A minor character mentioned in passing.

Connors

minor

A minor character, possibly a political operative.

Mrs. Smith

minor

Also known as Smith

A minor character, possibly a neighbor or acquaintance.

Mr. Murphy

minor

A minor character in the political milieu.

The old Rajah

minor

Also known as the old Rajah

A former ruler of Bwodpur, mentioned in the narrative.