N’Gana Frimbo
Frimbo is a conjure-man and fortune-teller from Africa but living and working in Harlem. The work entails forecasting the future of his clients or helps them with marital issues and gambling predictions. He is also a Harvard graduate with a degree in philosophy. Therefore well-versed in modern science and philosophy which he incorporates in his mysticism. Frimbo is as mysterious as his work which finds him conduct his business through illusions and trickery. The story opens with his attempted murder and proceeds to participate in his own murder investigations.
Perry Dart
Dart is a professional detective taking the helm in Frimbo’s murder investigation. As well as the first black person in the Harlem police force to become a detective. He works with Dr. Archer as they offer their scientific and logical take in the investigations. His task involves interrogating the possible suspects and clients to understand this case shrouded in mystery.
Bubber Brown
He is an amateur private detective who finds Frimbo’s body beside his friend and partner Jinx Jenkins. After the murder attempt, he works alongside the other detectives to try and clear his friend's name. Together with Jinx Jenkins, they embody the working-class black men in Harlem during the Great Depression trying to make a living.
Jinx Jenkins
The chief suspect in Frimbo’s murder case after circumstantial evidence directed at him is found in the victim’s throat. Moreover, his presence at the murder scene during the discovery solidifies his status. He has a detective agency with his friend Bubber Brown that specializes in menial detective works.
Dr. John Archer
The medical doctor working with Perry Dart during the investigation of Frimbo's homicide case. Similar to Dart he is skeptical of the mystical nature of Frimbo’s case and determined to find pragmatic answers.
Doty Hicks
A drug addict who has an agenda against Frimbo and even sorts revenge. He believes Frimbo cursed his sickly brother and attempted to curse him too as vengeance.
Spider Webb
The numbers-runner for a gambling ring and seeks Frimbo’s psychic ability to place a bet. Spider works for a criminal syndicate that has an agenda against the conjure-man too. Therefore he becomes one of the suspects in the murder case.
Samuel Crouch
The landlord of Frimbo’s place of business as well as an undertaker in the same premises. He is the husband to Martha and tasks her with collecting the overpriced rent he charges. During revealed to be Frimbo’s murderer but has been in disguise to cover his tracks.
Martha Crouch
The wife to Samuel Crouch and has been having an affair with the conjure man. The infidelity is the source of her husband’s fury to the extent of murdering on two separate occasions.
