1. CHARACTER LIST
Major Characters
Alfred Brooks
The protagonist of the novel around whom the plot
revolves. He is seventeen years old and an orphan living
his with aunt in Harlem. He works for the Epsteins
during the day and trains at the gym in the evening. The
novel is the story of his coming of age and struggling to
succeed.
gym.He visits the gym to exercise. He also gives
protective dentures to the boxers and helps them prepare
for the boxing matches.
Aunt Dorothy
Aunt Pearl’s affluent sister and Alfred’s aunt. She lives
in comfort in Queens with her husband and daughter.
She is a good hostess who serves delicious meals to
Alfred and Pearl when they visit her on Sundays.
Uncle William
Aunt Dorothy’s husband. He is a contented man with a
good home and family. He is proud of the abilities and
achievements of his son, Jeff.
Minor Characters
Aunt Pearl
Alfred’s aunt and guardian. She is good-hearted,
understanding and caring. She loves Alfred as much as
she loves her three girls.
James
Alfred’s friend. He falls into bad company and becomes
a drug addict. Alfred loves him dearly and persuades
him to join a rehabilitation clinic.
Major
An older friend of Alfred. He heads the company of
black youths who hate the whites and encourage
unlawful activities against them. He is responsible for
spoiling the character of James.
Hollis
Major’s friend. He is a partner in all the evil deeds
committed by Major and follows him like a shadow.
Donatelli
The owner and manager of the gym where Alfred works
out. He is a good teacher and a disciplinarian.
Underneath his hard exterior, he has a tender heart that
cares for his students and protects them from
adversaries.
Spoon
A former boxing champion who becomes a teacher.
Alfred comes to his house in Manhattan to relax before
competing in a match.
Henry
The son of Mr. Johnson and a helper at the gym. Though
afflicted with polio, he works hard to establish his
identity as something other than cripple. He helps Alfred
to train to become a champion boxer.
Betty
Spoon’s wife and a conscientious schoolteacher. She is
kind, generous and a pleasant hostess. Whenever Alfred
visits, she takes good care of him.
Bud
Assistant to Mr. Donatelli. He acts as a medic, applying
balms to the wounded boxers in the ring. As a man, he is
frank and forthright.
Dr. Corey
A jovial dentist who works in his clinic above the
Jeff
The intelligent and enterprising son of Uncle William
and Aunt Dorothy, who is also Alfred’s cousin. He is a
good student who wants to do community service to help
the blacks.
Lynn and Harold
Black youth who become community minded. They
persuade Alfred to join them in providing recreation to
children.
Horace Marshall Davenport, Junior
A friend of Alfred who practices at the gym. Everyone
calls him Jelly Belly because he loves food and is
plump.
Charlene and the Twins
The children of Aunt Pearl and cousins of Alfred. They
are cute little girls who are in awe of Alfred. Alfred is
very fond of them.