Bonbon
The protagonist and narrator of the story, Bonbon is a young African American man living in the fictional town of Dickens, California. He is determined to reestablish the town’s identity and bring it back onto the map, leading to various controversial actions.
His attempts to revitalize the town end up with him trying to reintroduce segregation, as he now owns a slave. Hominy is an older man whom he rescued from hanging himself, and now Hominy acts as his slave, often in brutal ways. This makes Hominy happy, and the narrator does not see anything wrong with this kind of happiness. By the end of the novel, the narrator ends up in a Supreme Court Case for his horrible actions.
Marpessa Dawson
The love of the narrator's life, Marpessa is the childhood sweetheart of the narrator. Three years older than the narrator, she used to go to Hominy's house when she was younger. However, as the two reached adulthood together, they began to lose touch. It is only when the narrator begins to reintroduce segregation to Dickens that Marpessa is again interested in being friends with him.
Hominy Jenkins
An elderly man, Hominy used to be an African American cast member for the old TV show, The Little Rascals. Hominy, having always grown up in a racist environment, now seems to consider it normal, not realizing the negative aspects of it even though he is African American. Hominy tries to hang himself, but the narrator comes along and saves him from death. Hominy feels that he owes something to the narrator, and vows to be his slave for life. This makes Hominy happy, and the narrator follows through with the plan.
Fathrah
Bonbon’s father is a controversial sociologist whose radical theories on race and identity influence Bonbon’s actions.
Me
A recurring character representing a collective voice, often providing commentary on the absurdity of the situations and themes presented in the novel.
Marlene
Bonbon’s outspoken and rebellious love interest challenges his views and actions throughout the novel.
