Character list
Download as docx, pdf1 like128 views
Alfred Brooks is a 17-year-old orphan living with his Aunt Pearl in Harlem. He works for the Epsteins during the day and trains boxing at Donatelli's gym in the evening. The novel follows Alfred's coming of age as he struggles to succeed. Some of the other main characters that support Alfred include his Aunt Pearl, his friend James who becomes addicted to drugs, and Donatelli the gym owner who teaches Alfred to box. The story also features Alfred's relatives Aunt Dorothy, Uncle William, and cousin Jeff who he visits occasionally in Queens.
Character list
- 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 Pearls affluent sister and Alfreds 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 Dorothys 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 Alfreds aunt and guardian. She is good-hearted, understanding and caring. She loves Alfred as much as she loves her three girls. James Alfreds 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 Majors 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 Spoons 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 Alfreds 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.