* Ella: A young girl growing up in the segregated South during the Jim Crow era. She navigates a life of poverty and prejudice, longing for a better future.
* Elmore: Ella's father, a hardworking man who struggles to provide for his family in a discriminatory society. He strives to protect his daughter from the harsh realities of their world.
* Mama: Ella's mother, a resilient woman who fights to keep her family together and instills in Ella a sense of hope and determination.
* Lee: Ella's older brother, who serves as a mentor and protector for his younger sister. He dreams of escaping their limitations and finding a place where they can be free.
While these are the primary characters, the novel also features a supporting cast of other characters who contribute to the story, including:
* Grandmother: Ella's grandmother, a wise and compassionate figure who offers guidance and support to her family.
* Aunt Mildred: Ella's aunt, who embodies the strength and resilience of Black women in the face of adversity.
* Mr. Johnson: A kind white man who helps the family during a time of need, offering a glimmer of hope in a world of prejudice.
The relationships between these characters and the challenges they face together form the heart of the story, highlighting the resilience and the unwavering hope that can be found even in the darkest of times.