The document describes the reactions of a family and their neighbors in the segregated South to the father, Wilbert, purchasing a new Cadillac. The daughters Lois and Wilma were excited by the car's representation of wealth, while the mother Dee was surprised and angry, feeling it was a waste of money. Though initially proud of the car, Wilbert later realizes his family's safety was more important, while Dee understands what the car meant to her husband. The neighbors were impressed, but local white cops arrested Wilbert, wrongly believing he had stolen the car due to their racism.

1. Character Description Reaction to the At the end of the
Cadillac story…
Narrator; youngest Excited; represented Sees the car as
‘lois daughter wealth to her something that hurt her
family; better
understanding of
segregation.
Older sister of ‘lois Excited; represented
Wilma wealth to her
Wilbert (Father) Primary income; Proud of the car Sees that his pride was
bought the Cadillac; foolish; his family’s
safety more important
Dee (Mother) Homemaker; serious- Surprise; anger; Understands what
minded thinks the car is a the car meant to her
waste of money husband
Neighbors Aunts, uncles, Proud of the car;
neighborhood impressed by the car
friends
Mississippi Cops White; racist; Believe Wilbert stole
the car; arrest him