Duane Dorsey

Duane Dorsey is a former neighbor of Sissie's family. He is frequently in trouble with the law and was recently arrested for breaking windows in his mother-in-law's house. Harry and Sue's husband discuss Duane's antics at the Lakeside Bar.

Frank

Frank is the oldest brother. In the first section, Sissie says he is ten years old and "very big." With other children, he cruelly throws stones at a blackbird drowning in the water's muck. During the second summer he is at a stock car race with his friends.

Harry

Harry is Sissie's father. He is handsome, muscular, and suntanned. Sissie describes him as a harddrinking man who "is always in a hurry to get things done." Although he has a troubled relationship with his sons, Jerry and Frank, he treats Sissie well. Harry works the night shift at the factory, telling Uncle Joe, "I can sleep during...