The Widow Jukiene Jurgis' first landlady in Chicago. Twice Jurgis and his family are forced to rent "unthinkably filthy" rooms from her.
Mike Scully The democratic boss of Packingtown. Jurgis would not be so eager to work for the man if he knew the entire truth about Scully's involvement with Jurgis' family: Jurgis sees Scully as a powerful friend and ally, but actually Scully is both directly and indirectly responsible for the deaths of Ona and Little Antanas.
Phil Connor Ona's boss. He serves as a nemesis for Jurgis and illustrates the theory that might makes right. He also demonstrates that it is not what you know but who you know that counts.
Jack Duane Jurgis' cellmate. He introduces Jurgis to the criminal world of Chicago.
Madame Haupt Ona's midwife. This "enormously fat" woman is unable to save either Ona or her baby.
Freddie Jones Son of Jurgis' former boss. This drunken playboy provides Jurgis with an unforgettable evening and a $100 bill.
Buck Holloran and Bush Harper Members of Mike Scully's political machine who work with Jurgis. They make sure that they take care of themselves first.
Ostrinski A tailor. He introduces the world of socialism from the workingman's perspective.
Tommy Hinds Jurgis' final boss. This hotelkeeper is one of the organizers of the state Socialist Party, and his hotel is the site of many political discourses.
Lucas A traveling socialist speaker. Jurgis is one of the guests at a dinner party where this orator debates and defines socialism.
Nicholas Schliemann A socialist theoretician. He, along with Lucas, serve to state Sinclair's view of socialism. Although Jurgis hears him debate socialism with Lucas, he really exists as a way for Sinclair to talk to readers.
