Jefferson A twenty-one-year-old uneducated black field worker condemned to die after being innocently involved in an armed robbery and shooting.
Alcee Gropé The white storekeeper killed during the attempted robbery.
Brother and Bear Two young black men killed while attempting to rob Alcee Gropé's store.
Miss Emma (Emma Glenn) Jefferson's godmother; she is determined that Jefferson will die with dignity.
Grant Wiggins The narrator. A cynical, disillusioned teacher called upon to instill a sense of pride and self-worth in Jefferson before his execution.
Tante Lou Grant's aunt and Miss Emma's best friend.
Vivian Baptiste Grant Wiggins' Creole (mixed heritage of black and French or Spanish ancestry) girlfriend.
Peggy A fellow teacher; Vivian's friend.
Miss Eloise Bouie A friend of Miss Emma and Tante Lou.
Estelle Jefferson's cousin; one of Grant's students.
Henri Pichot The owner of the plantation that once employed Miss Emma and Tante Lou as cook and housekeeper.
Inez Lane Henri Pichot's maid. Inez has replaced Miss Emma in Pichot's kitchen.
Louis Rougon A friend of Henri Pichot. Rougon's family owns a bank in St. Adrienne.
Sam Guidry Sheriff of Bayonne County; Henri Pichot's brother-in-law.
