David Schearl

David Schearl is a Jewish boy who emigrates from Russia to New York City with his mother, Genya. His father, Albert, has already established a foothold in the city. David is marked by an extraordinary sensitivity, and it is through his perceptive nature that the bustling life of the immigrant city is vividly experienced. Deeply attached to his protective mother, David fears his stern father, who harbors suspicions about David’s paternity, suspecting an affair by his wife. Despite this tension, David navigates his new environment, forming a friendship with Leo Dugovka, an Irish boy. Through Leo, David is introduced to Catholicism and the ways of other immigrant children, gaining a crude understanding of their diverse cultural habits. Throughout, David grapples with making sense of his complex experiences and articulating them.

Genya Schearl

Genya Schearl is David’s loving and fatalistic mother. She arrives in America with her son, only to be met by her husband’s suspicion and resentment. Albert, having struggled to adapt to this new world, interprets Genya’s words as a lack of support or understanding of his difficulties. Despite her patience and attempts to placate him, Albert senses that he does not hold the primary place in her heart. Genya’s devotion is towards David, whom she fiercely defends against Albert’s frustrations that often manifest in attempts at physical discipline. Despite her efforts to be a dutiful wife, Genya’s past infidelity and Albert’s relentless cruelty drive a wedge in their marriage that she cannot mend.

Albert Schearl

Albert Schearl is an embittered immigrant, struggling to find his footing in America. He drifts from one unsatisfying job to another until securing a milk route, which brings him a modicum of peace. Albert harbors a deep resentment towards David, seeing him as weak and coddled, yet he ensures that David receives a Jewish education despite his suspicions regarding David’s lineage. Eventually, Albert confronts the realization that his unyielding hostility has alienated his wife and son, driving them away emotionally.

Leo Dugovka

Leo Dugovka is an Irish boy who befriends David, introducing him to a broader perception of the city. Leo’s worldly experiences and possessions, such as the rosary he promises to David, are objects of David’s envy. Leo’s influence leads to trouble for David, culminating in Mr. Schearl’s accusation of David’s conversion to Christianity. Despite this, Leo fulfills David’s desire to transcend the confines of his ghetto existence, offering a glimpse of a bolder city life.

Aunt Bertha

Aunt Bertha, Genya’s outspoken sister, adds comic relief and lively spirit to the otherwise somber tone of the novel. Her open disagreements with Albert and her encouragement of Genya to admit her affair with another man bring tensions to a head. Bertha eventually marries Nathan Sternowitz, and together they open a candy store. This becomes a meeting place for David and Leo, and where David encounters his cousin Esther Sternowitz, beginning to explore the mysteries of sexuality.