The Conjure-Man Dies: A Mystery of Dark Harlem: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Conjure-Man Dies: A Mystery of Dark Harlem" is a notable work of fiction that delves into the complexities of life in Harlem through a compelling murder mystery. The narrative explores the interactions and distinct personalities of several key characters, each contributing to the plot's unraveling. Dr. John Archer, a light-skinned, intellectual medical doctor, teams up with Perry Dart, a dark-complexioned homicide detective and one of the few African American officers in Harlem, to investigate the murder of N’Gana Frimbo, a well-educated conjure-man and psychist. Both Archer and Dart possess a keen understanding of human nature, which aids them in their investigation.
Bubber Brown, a humorous would-be private detective, adds a lighter tone to the story while navigating the Harlem underbelly alongside his friend Jinx Jenkins, a more serious character who becomes a suspect in the murder. The narrative also features a diverse array of figures, including Spider Webb, a suspect involved in crime, and Doty Hicks, a drug addict seeking Frimbo's guidance. Through these characters and their relationships, the novel paints a rich and complex portrait of Harlem, highlighting themes of identity, community, and the intricacies of human behavior in the context of a compelling mystery.
The Conjure-Man Dies: A Mystery of Dark Harlem: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Rudolph Fisher
First published: 1932
Genre: Novel
Locale: Harlem, New York
Plot: Detective and mystery
Time: The 1930's
John Archer, a medical doctor in his middle thirties. He assists homicide detective Perry Dart in solving the “murder” of the conjure-man. He is tall, slender, light-skinned, usually composed, intellectual, and a student of science and human nature.
Perry Dart, a homicide detective in his middle thirties, with a very dark complexion. He is the first of only ten African American members of Harlem's police force to be promoted to detective. He is a Harlem native and knows its lowest dives and loftiest temples. He is small in stature but makes up for his size with the power of his investigative mind and insights. Like John Archer, he is a keen student of human nature.
N'Gana Frimbo, a psychist and conjure-man, educated at Harvard. He is a philosopher and an avid reader of a wide range of philosophical and metaphysical texts. He is mysterious and apparently offers the sort of counseling and advice that his clients need, for he has many clients even though he does not advertise. He is a major player in solving his own murder. He, Dr. Archer, and Perry Dart have one thing in common, despite the apparent differences of their professions: They are all students of human nature.
Bubber Brown, a would-be private detective and codiscoverer of the body of the conjure-man. He is short and a little overweight. He provides much of the novel's humor and other light touches. He knows much of what goes on in Harlem and would like to be Perry Dart's partner in solving the crime. In his conversations with his friend Jinx, he exhibits a real and easy facility with words. He often plays the dozens, engaging in battles of insults.
Jinx Jenkins, Bubber's friend, codiscoverer of the body, and for a time the chief suspect in the murder. He is in many ways the opposite of Bubber. He is tall, thin, and serious, a bit less outgoing and more suspicious of other people's views of him. Like Bubber, he likes to use words, and he expertly plays the dozens with Bubber. He had come to see Frimbo for help in getting a job.
Spider Webb, a murder suspect and number runner. He works for a major criminal figure in Harlem and visits Frimbo for advice.
Doty Hicks, another murder suspect, a drug addict who needs counseling from Frimbo.
Samuel Crouch, an undertaker who rents the upstairs of his building to Frimbo.
Martha Crouch, Samuel's wife. She is present when the murder takes place because she has come to collect the rent from Frimbo.
Easley Jones, a friendly railroad man who seeks advice from Frimbo.
Aramintha Snead, a devoted church worker. The tall, thin, poorly dressed woman wants Frimbo to stop her husband from drinking.