Characters: Hazel Parker

From the beginning, Hazel strongly voices her identity as an athlete—"Miss Quicksilver herself"—and establishes her outspoken assertiveness: "no one can beat me and that's all there is to it." At the same time, the story shows that Hazel's identity has been and continues to be hard won. To become a good runner, she has had to practice relentlessly, sometimes carving time for herself out of the hours she spends looking after her mentally...

Raymond Parker is Hazel's brother; she feels she has to take care of him because he is mentally challenged. Under his sister's watchful and caring eye, Raymond is happy in his own world in which he imagines himself as a circus performer or stagecoach driver. He is vulnerable to teasing by others, but he can depend on Hazel to defend him, even with her fists if necessary. By the end of the story, Raymond is no longer a burden to Hazel and has become a catalyst. Raymond's "run" alongside Hazel, "with his arms down to his side and his palms tucked up behind him . . . in his very own style," reveals his individuality and potential. Hazel considers becoming her brother's coach so that he can become an accomplished runner.

Gretchen is a newcomer to Hazel’s neighborhood. She has attracted Mary Louise and Rosie, once friends of Hazel, to be her friends instead. Gretchen and Hazel meet and size each other up but do not come to open conflict, although Mary Louise tries to make fun of Raymond and is put down by Hazel instead. The smile that Gretchen and Hazel give each other on this occasion is “really not a smile” because “girls never really smile at each other.” On the day of the race, Gretchen competes well with Hazel and comes in second. Gretchen’s dedication to running and her abilities impress Hazel, and the two exchange real smiles of beginning friendship and respect.

Mary Louise Williams, once a friend of Squeaky’s, shifts her allegiance to Gretchen when she moves from Baltimore to Harlem. Originally bullied, Mary Louise was defended by Squeaky, but her subsequent loyalty to Gretchen is viewed by Squeaky as a betrayal. During encounters, Mary Louise tries to provoke Squeaky by making snide remarks about Raymond, revealing her malice and Squeaky's protective instincts over her brother.

Rosie, known as Gretchen’s sidekick, is described disparagingly by Squeaky as "fat" and "stupid." She takes pleasure in mocking Raymond, yet Squeaky notes that there is little difference in intellect between Rosie and her brother. Rosie's actions serve to highlight the antagonistic social environment Squeaky navigates, further emphasizing Squeaky’s defensive nature and loyalty to Raymond.

Squeaky’s father, Mr. Parker, plays a minor role but is revealed to be an exceptional runner, a fact only Squeaky and he are privy to. His ability to easily outpace Squeaky, even with a head start, is a shared secret that underscores the running talent within the family, contributing to the pride and competitive spirit Squeaky holds dear.

George, Squeaky’s other brother, earns money through odd jobs and previously cared for Raymond. However, Squeaky implies he was not as fervent in his protection of Raymond as she is. George's annoyance with Raymond’s mimicry of Squeaky at the dinner table suggests a distant relationship with his siblings, contrasting with Squeaky’s deep-seated responsibility for her brother.

Cynthia Procter, a peer at Squeaky’s school, irks Squeaky with her facade of effortless success. She feigns nonchalance about her achievements, such as winning the spelling bee, despite practicing diligently. Squeaky’s awareness of Cynthia’s early morning piano practices belies Cynthia’s attempts to project natural talent without effort, serving as a source of irritation for Squeaky, who values sincerity and hard work.

Mr. Pearson oversees the race and is perceived by Squeaky as condescending, earning the nickname "Jack and the Beanstalk" from the children due to his tall, thin stature. His suggestion that Squeaky might let Gretchen win is met with disdain, as it undermines Squeaky's commitment to fairness and competition. His cluelessness about the children’s world further alienates him from Squeaky and her peers.