Eugene Morris Jerome

Eugene Morris Jerome is a fourteen-year-old Jewish boy residing in Brooklyn, New York, and serves as the spirited narrator of "Bright Beach Memoirs." He is an energetic and persistent adolescent, intensely passionate about baseball, particularly his cherished Dodgers. Eugene dreams of becoming a baseball player, but he is open to a writing career if his athletic aspirations don't pan out. He meticulously keeps a journal, capturing the eccentricities of his family, revealing his burgeoning talent as a storyteller.
On the brink of puberty, Eugene is eager for sexual knowledge, finding himself fascinated by his cousin Nora. This burgeoning curiosity about the opposite sex is further encouraged by his older brother Stanley, who imparts lessons about girls and masturbation. Frequently blamed for mishaps and feeling like a "slave" to his mother's endless errands, Eugene maintains his humor and insight, often amused by the antics around him. His relationship with Stanley is a blend of admiration and annoyance.
Despite often complaining about the demands placed upon him, Eugene is deeply concerned for his family, particularly his overworked father, Jack Jerome. His youthful innocence veils a sharp, perceptive mind eager to understand family dynamics, all the while retaining his sense of humor and self-awareness.

Kate Jerome

Kate Jerome, Eugene's mother, is a pragmatic and optimistic woman nearing forty. She shoulders the majority of the household responsibilities, acting as both a nurturing mother and a financial overseer. Her dedication to her family sometimes borders on overprotectiveness, frequently overwhelming them with her capacity to worry and dominate the household.
While Kate possesses a nurturing nature, she harbors a deep-seated resentment over the sacrifices she must endure. Her beliefs in God and providence counterbalance her cynicism towards strangers or unfamiliar situations. Although she freely shares her opinions within family matters, she generally refrains from imposing her decisions on others. Eugene occasionally perceives her illogical outbursts as a sort of "second sight."
Kate is fiercely protective of her sister Blanche and particularly disdains the Murphy family across the street. Her relationship with Blanche is complex, marked by protective instincts and underlying resentment.

Jacob "Jack" Jerome

Jacob "Jack" Jerome is the patriarch of the Jerome family, overworked and prematurely aged at forty-two due to his demanding jobs. He balances a day job cutting raincoats and a night job selling party favors, all to sustain his household.
Despite his exhaustion, Jack remains the family's pillar, offering wisdom and counsel rather than issuing commands. His sense of compromise complements his ideals, enabling him to manage family dilemmas with patience and sensitivity. Even after suffering a heart attack, Jack continues to worry about providing for his family, especially with relatives arriving from Poland seeking refuge and support.

Stanley Jerome

Stanley Jerome, Eugene's nineteen-year-old brother, is a sincere young man who strongly believes in principles and fairness. He works in a hat store to help support the family and frequently serves as a guide for Eugene, imparting knowledge about the opposite sex and worldly matters.
Stanley encounters moral dilemmas, as evidenced by his confrontation with unfair treatment of a co-worker, which jeopardizes his job. After seeking advice from Jack, he reluctantly decides to apologize to retain his employment for the family's benefit. His integrity sometimes leads to trouble, such as gambling away his paycheck. Despite his wayward tendencies, Stanley looks up to his father and generally acts out of selfless devotion to his family's welfare. Ultimately, he returns home after a brief stint attempting to join the army.

Blanche Morton

Blanche Morton is Kate's younger sister, a widow who has spent six years mourning the loss of her husband,...