Narrator

The narrator of Sonny’s Blues is never named. He is the husband of Isabel and brother of Sonny. He was born and raised in Harlem; he lives there still as the story unfolds. The narrator’s profession, teaching algebra, shows his desire to improve the minds of young people growing up in Harlem, but it also exemplifies his need for an orderly life, following the rules. He struggles with a combination of guilt and anger when his brother, Sonny, is arrested for possession of heroin. He eventually comes to understand his brother by listening to him play jazz.

Sonny

Sonny is seven years younger than his brother, the narrator. Their age difference keeps them from being close when they are growing up together in Harlem. Sonny struggles with heroin addiction and his desire to escape Harlem. He is a free spirit, unlike his older brother. Sonny finds...