The Marrow of Tradition

The major is the last of the Carteret line and the closest thing the novel has to a single antagonist. Although his family has lost its wealth and Dr. Miller now lives in his ancestral home, he has—with his wife’s money—founded a successful newspaper, the Morning Chronicle. A mouthpiece for the Democratic party, it seeks to stir up anti-Black sentiment. Major Carteret believes the Black race is inferior and must be subjugated and subsequently expelled from America. However, considering himself a gentleman, he is unwilling to directly involve himself in racial violence or murder. In an instance that proves the false distinction between The “Poetry” of Racism Versus the Reality of Racism, he nonetheless succeeds in stirring up such sentiments, resulting in the massacre of the Black populace. When his actions kill Dr. Miller’s son and endanger his own son’s life, he views Dr. Miller’s initial unwillingness to help as a sort of justice.

Janet is the biracial daughter of Samuel Merkell and Julia and is unaware that she is a legitimate child. Nonetheless, she receives an education and marries Dr. Miller. She looks almost exactly like her half sister Olivia, underscoring the meaninglessness of racial distinctions. Although Olivia ignores her utterly, Janet longs for her acknowledgment. When Janet’s only son is killed and Olivia calls on her for help, Janet offers it—but throws Olivia’s money and name back in her face, rejecting Respectability Politics in the Face of Racism.

Dr. Miller is the novel’s principal protagonist. A highly educated Black surgeon, he has studied in Europe and New York and is tall, sturdy, and handsome, with “pleasingly moulded features” (32). He regularly publishes in medical journals and is considered an expert in his field. Although he could choose to live in a place where he would face less prejudice, he chooses to aid his community by founding a hospital for Black patients. He believes racism will eventually pass, and his neighbors will come to respect him. However, he is repeatedly disappointed by his white neighbors’ actions and must confront the failure of his hopes when a racist mob kills his son. His character arc takes him from naivete to bitter realization, though he ultimately complies with his wife’s request that he treat Dodie rather than seek revenge for his child’s death.

Mrs. Ochiltree, Elizabeth Merkell’s sister, is a sharp-tongued woman known for insulting both enemies and friends. She is tall, with a “gaunt and angular frame” (9) and a “mottled face.” Despite her age, she has ample black hair. After her sister’s death, she wishes to marry her widower. However, she comes to believe he is involved with Julia. Mrs. Ochiltree raises her niece Olivia. As an elderly woman, she experiences cognitive changes and reveals the truth about Samuel and Julia to Olivia. She is murdered by Tom Delamere.

Ellis is the son of Quakers who fought for the Confederacy. He is tall and freckled with auburn hair and gray eyes. He is in love with Clara but feels he is at a disadvantage next to handsome, wealthy Tom Delamere. Although he shares the prejudices common to all Southern men, he stands firmly against lynching, riots, and massacres. He will not openly take the side of his Black neighbors, but he quietly helps to exonerate Sandy and helps Dr. Miller in finding his family during the massacre.

Old Mr. Delamere is an archetypal Southern gentleman, albeit one who is active in advancing the interests of Black Americans. He is an elderly man with white hair, a mustache, and weak legs. He has absolute faith in and deep affection for his manservant Sandy, viewing him as a member of the family. He invites Dr. Miller to his home and donates generously to the hospital. He is willing to stand up for equality in his conversations with other men. When he discovers his grandson Tom has framed Sandy for a murder, he readily takes up Sandy’s cause. Disturbed by Major Carteret and others’ racial hypocrisy and prejudice, he dies shortly after this incident.

Tom has a feline handsomeness, with dark curly hair and black eyes. The last heir of a wealthy, prominent family, he believes himself to be a perfect gentleman. Others view him as an immoral gambler and cheater. Appearances are more important to him than morals.

Sandy is old Mr. Delamere’s manservant. He is a Black man in his forties who wears a mustache and glasses, as well as out-of-fashioned clothes. He was brought up by the Delamere family and serves them with absolute loyalty, making him a kind of “Uncle Tom” figure. When he realizes that Tom has framed him for a crime, he refuses to share his conclusion with Mr. Delamere. After Mr. Delamere’s death, Sandy is hired by Major Carteret.