Maniac Magee characters

Also known as Maniac Magee, Jeffrey Magee

Appears from the start

An orphan whose parents died when he was three, leaving him to grow up in the silent, divided household of his aunt and uncle. At eleven he runs away, and by the time he appears in Two Mills his speed, fearlessness, and unusual athletic gifts quickly attract stories. He is looking for a home even when he does not admit it.

Appears from the start

Jeffrey's father's sister, who takes the orphaned boy into her home. She and her husband refuse to speak to or share anything with each other, forcing Jeffrey to live between two separate domestic camps.

Appears from the start

Jeffrey's uncle and guardian after the death of Jeffrey's parents. His long estrangement from Aunt Dot makes their shared house intolerable to the child placed between them.

First appears in chapter 2

A book-loving Black girl whom Jeffrey meets carrying a suitcase filled with library books. Alert, direct, and protective of what belongs to her, she is the first person in Two Mills to stop and talk with the unfamiliar boy.

First appears in chapter 5

A frightened boy whom other children have pushed into the yard of the house associated with the neighborhood's worst fears. Jeffrey finds him clinging to the front steps and brings him out.

First appears in chapter 7

A large Little League pitcher known for overpowering other children with his fastball. Jeffrey's unexpected success against him helps establish the newcomer as a local legend and leaves McNab determined to explain away the defeat.

Also known as Mars Bar

First appears in chapter 9

A proud East End boy who confronts Jeffrey on the street and challenges his right to be there. He carries himself as the toughest child in the neighborhood and treats the strange white newcomer as a rival.

First appears in chapter 12

Amanda's mother, a capable and warm resident of the East End. When Jeffrey is brought into the Beale household, she responds to his needs with practical care while expecting him to respect the family's rules.

First appears in chapter 12

Amanda's younger sister, an energetic child who shares the crowded Beale home. She and her brother quickly include Jeffrey in the noise and routines of family life.

First appears in chapter 12

Amanda's younger brother, lively and sometimes untidy. Along with Hester, he helps make the Beales' home unlike the divided, silent house Jeffrey fled.

First appears in chapter 22

An elderly worker at the Elmwood Park Zoo who discovers Jeffrey sleeping near the buffalo enclosure. Blunt, observant, and deeply attached to baseball, he feeds the boy and begins to listen to his story.

First appears in chapter 34

One of John McNab's younger brothers. He and Russell plan an impractical escape and accept Jeffrey's help when he promises food and adventure.

First appears in chapter 34

Piper's brother and companion in runaway schemes. Russell is fascinated by danger without fully understanding it, making Jeffrey anxious to guide both boys toward safety.