There are two characters in this great story by Langston Hughes. The first is Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, and the second is her would-be assailant, Roger.

The first thing we learn about Luella is that she's tough. When Roger tries to snatch her purse, he comes off second best, lying flat on his back on the sidewalk and being kicked "right square in his blue-jeaned sitter." The second thing we learn is that she is scared of nothing. Instead of screaming or running from the youth who tried to attack her, she asks him whether he is ashamed of himself.

Thirdly, we learn that she is extremely maternal. There aren't many people who would criticize someone who just attacked them for having a dirty face. The last trait I will mention about Luella is that she is extremely kind and generous. Not only does she ensure that Roger gets a good meal before he leaves, but she also gives him the money to buy the suede shoes that he wanted.

When it comes to Roger, the first and obvious character trait is slyness and a lack of respect for the law. Over and above this, however, he is shown to be a young man capable of change. After washing his face, Roger realizes that he has the opportunity to run, but he does not. Further evidence of this is that Hughes tells us that he does not want Luella to mistrust him. While it is an odd thing to say about a thief, he is also respectful. When Luella starts asking him questions, he answers her, rather than running away, swearing at her, or making a second attempt to rob her.

There are only two characters, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger, in Langston Hughes’ short story “Thank You, M’am.” He uses both direct and indirect characterization to develop their personalities.

Hughes characterizes Mrs. Jones as a dignified, hard-working woman with a no nonsense attitude. Although she is a physically imposing person, her interactions with Roger exemplify her quiet, patient, compassionate nature. Mrs. Jones is walking home alone, late at night, from her job when Roger attempts to steal her pocketbook. Instead of screaming or calling the police, Mrs. Jones takes Roger home and teaches him a life lesson based on her own life experiences. After asking him a number of questions about his home life, she recognizes that Roger is a product of his Harlem environment. She teaches him to expect more from himself. She is kind enough to share her supper with him, but more importantly she shares her own experiences. She lets Roger know that she did some unacceptable things in her past. She cleverly allows Roger to make his own decisions about fleeing her apartment, which teaches Roger to trust in himself.

Roger is a young man who is growing up on the mean streets of Harlem, which greatly influences his character. He tells Mrs. Jones that no one is home at his house, which is why he is unfed and unkempt. Although he is bold enough to steal Mrs. Jones’ pocketbook, Roger demonstrates that he can be trustworthy during the short time he spends in Mrs. Jones’ apartment. He does not take her purse and run away, instead he stays and interacts respectfully with Mrs. Jones. Langston Hughes characterizes Roger as contrite and thankful at the end of the story when Mrs. Jones gives him money to purchase the shoes he wants.