The narrative begins by introducing Michael and Anne Carraway, a wealthy white couple residing in Greenwich Village, who have a keen interest in African-Americans. Known for its liberal and bohemian lifestyle, "The Village" is a fitting home for the Carraways, who see themselves as liberal, bohemian, and artistic. Michael is a piano composer, and Anne is a painter. They "adore" and collect African-American art and music, striving to build friendships with black individuals, whom they view as "a race too charming and naive and lovely for words." Despite their efforts, the Carraways struggle to maintain lasting interracial friendships, though they do have a black cook and maid named Emma living with them.

When Emma "fell ill and passed away in her basement room," the Carraways hire a new maid, Mattie, and soon meet Emma's nephew, Luther, described as ‘‘the most marvelous ebony boy.’’ Anne is eager to paint him, so they employ him to tend to their small "garden" behind the house. Mattie introduces Luther to the nightlife in Harlem, which keeps him out late, causing him to fall asleep while Anne paints him. As she observes him sleeping, she decides to paint him half-nude, posed as a slave on an auction block. Michael is inspired by Luther's pose and composes a piece of music he calls ‘‘a modern slave plaint.’’

Luther becomes a regular presence in the Carraway household. They showcase him to their friends and have him perform ‘‘southern worksongs and reels ... spirituals and ballads.’’ Eventually, the Carraways find both Luther and Mattie ‘‘a bit difficult to handle.’’ Luther's work diminishes, he takes their cigarettes and wine, and he joins their guests without invitation. The Carraways discover Luther and Mattie in bed together but refrain from expressing disapproval due to their self-proclaimed liberality and open-mindedness, which they believe is a result of their artistic brilliance. However, when Mattie and Luther have a loud argument, the Carraways feel the tension stifles their creativity. Anne wants to complete her ‘‘Boy on the Block’’ painting, but Michael admits he is "a little bored with the same Negro always in the way.’’

Michael's domineering mother, Mrs. Carraway, visits. Luther is deliberately overly familiar with her, leading to an angry exchange, during which she lets out "a short loud, dignified scream'' in response to his "impudence." She insists that Michael dismiss Luther; although Anne protests that her painting is unfinished, Michael sides with his mother. Luther, rather amused than upset by his sudden firing, leaves with Mattie, who declares they have "stood enough'' from the Carraways. Michael and Anne are bewildered by her remark. As they depart, Anne laments the loss of her 'Boy on the Block.’’