Philip Roth

Philip Roth serves as the primary character and the narrator of the story, presented through his perspective. The narrative unfolds when he is seven years old and concludes when he is nine. Raised in Newark, New Jersey, Philip resides with his parents, Herman and Bess Roth, and his older brother, Sanford. Roth's household is situated in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, and both brothers attend a Jewish school. Philip, characterized by his idealism, is also aware of the anti-Semitic tensions pervading America, which intensifies his natural inclination to worry. He is perceptive, intelligent, and eager to win approval, notably sensitive to his parents' anxieties following Charles Lindbergh's rise to presidency.

Sanford "Sandy" Roth

Sanford Roth, affectionately known by Philip as Sandy, is Philip's elder brother by five years. Initially depicted as a sensitive and artistically gifted young boy, Sandy is transformed by his experiences in a government program endorsed by his Aunt Evelyn, which relocates Jewish boys to live with Christian families. This program sends him to a farm in Kentucky, where he spends the summer. Upon his return, Sandy is marked by a newfound confidence, bordering on arrogance. He believes that his father and others are overreacting to the Lindbergh administration, creating friction within his family as he begins to support Lindbergh as a result of his positive experiences.

Herman and Bess Roth

Herman and Bess Roth are devoted parents in their late thirties at the novel's start, living in Newark. Herman is an insurance salesman known for his moral integrity and vocal opposition to discrimination against Jews, passionately supporting Franklin D. Roosevelt. His wife, Bess, equally devoted to their family, shares his political views but is less confrontational; she contemplates moving the family to Canada after Lindbergh's election. Their home becomes a focal point of the narrative, embodying the Jewish struggle against rising anti-Semitism.

Alvin Roth

Alvin Roth, the rebellious nephew of Herman and Bess, comes to live with them following the passing of his parents. Despite their efforts to guide him, Alvin's independent streak leads him to Canada, where he enlists in the war effort. He returns to the Roths' home missing a leg, symbolizing the tangible cost of his defiance. His prolonged recovery at their house rekindles familial tensions, culminating in a violent confrontation with Herman. Alvin eventually departs once more, seeking a fresh start away from past grievances.

Uncle Monty

Uncle Monty, Herman's outspoken brother, becomes Herman's employer after he resigns from his insurance job to prevent the family from being relocated. Uncle Monty's boisterous and often obnoxious demeanor is endured by the Roth family due to familial obligations. Meanwhile, Aunt Evelyn, Bess's sister, marries Rabbi Bengelsdorf, aligning herself with Lindbergh's efforts to quell Jewish unity, thus adding layers of complexity to the family's dynamics.

Seldon and Mrs. Wishnow

Residing downstairs from the Roths, Seldon Wishnow and his mother become inadvertently entangled in Philip's life. Seldon's presence tends to irk Philip, and an unintended consequence of Philip’s actions leads to the Wishnows' relocation to Kentucky, where Mrs. Wishnow meets her demise. Seldon eventually returns to Newark to live with the Roths, illustrating the unintended and tragic effects of the era's political climate. The Cucuzza family subsequently replaces the Wishnows, with Mr. Cucuzza particularly eager to assist in ensuring the Roths' safety.