Michael Devlin, characterized by his innocence, bravery, ingenuity, and sharp intellect, stands as the youthful hero in this rite of passage. His pure heart and virtuous nature enable him to summon the Golem from the earth, a feat that Rabbi Hirsch could not accomplish when the Nazis invaded Prague. Michael embodies a sort of Celtic mystique akin to a Galahad figure, with his purity derived from both faith and charity—expressing love not only towards God but also towards humanity, as noted by the rabbi at the novel's conclusion. These qualities allow him to achieve not just justice—by punishing Frankie and the Falcons—but also healing, as he and the mythical Golem repair even Rabbi Hirsch's damaged teeth. However, Michael is not a perfect model of virtue; he grapples with his fears, particularly the fear of embarrassment, and his developing sexuality. His faith is complex: "But when Rabbi Hirsch spoke of his doubting youth, Michael felt even closer to him, for Michael had his own unspoken doubts, his own questions." The severe nature of his retribution against Frankie keeps the narrative grounded in reality, and Michael's increasing awareness of the persistence and ubiquity of evil prevents any sentimentality.

Rabbi Judah Hirsch, shaped by his experiences in Nazi-occupied Europe and his later life as a refugee, often feels hopeless and sometimes bitter. Despite his role as a rabbi, Hirsch has lost faith in the triumph of goodness over evil, a belief that Michael revives by bringing forth the Golem: "Good exists," he [the rabbi] whispered, ". . . not just sin." As Michael and the rabbi share conversations, languages, and stories, their lives become intertwined. As Michael matures, the rabbi seems to regain a youthful vigor through their shared enthusiasm for Prague, music, and baseball. They share a thirst for knowledge, a zest for life, and a capacity to connect with others. As Michael's friends, Jimmy and Sonny, gradually fade from his life, Rabbi Hirsch steps in to fill the void with experiences beyond their neighborhood. Even Sonny and Jimmy contribute to a fundamentally positive view of humanity found in the diverse community of Brooklyn, returning to support Michael when he faces serious danger.

Michael's relationship with his mother, Kate, is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the book, presenting a positive portrayal of a mother-son bond within a single-parent family. Their connection is notably strong as they collaborate to maintain the apartment building they reside in and support each other following the loss of Michael's father during the Battle of the Bulge.

Michael draws his strength from the cherished memories of his father and from Kate herself. She imparts to her son not only her own robust sense of identity and survival instincts but also her openness to allow Michael to explore the unknown. This includes forming relationships with others beyond her understanding, all while maintaining her grounding influence.

Despite being tied to her background and the slum's "no ratting" code, which the poor use to protect themselves from governing institutions, Kate encourages Michael to look beyond the life she has built for them through sheer grit and determination.