Johannes
Johannes is the protagonist and narrator. He was born in Alexandra, South Africa on October 18, 1960. He was born in poverty; his house didn't have basic amenities such as electricity, water, and toilet. He witnessed the brutal raids of Police to enforce apartheid and changed his name to Mark Mathabane during the Soweto riots to hide his identity from the white South African government.
Arthur Ashe
Arthur Ashe was the first black man who won the Wimbledon tennis. His attitude and technique inspired Mathabane to be a great tennis player. His personality influenced Mathabane psychologically and motivated him to stand against the racial domination of the white government. His personality implanted winning spirit in Mark Mathabane. Arthur became the role model in the life of Mark Mathabane.
Mama Mathabane
Mama Mathabane is Johannes's mother. She is a diligent lady. In the absence of her husband; She was the only earning member of her family. Though she was legally married, yet her marriage was not accepted by the white government. That was the reason she forced to escape or hide from night police raids. She couldn't leave Jackson in spite of his abusive language because according to tribal regulation, her father had to pay back the bride price.
Florah Mathabane
Florah Mathabane is the second child of Mathebane's family, younger to Johannes. She is three years old while she introduced to the autobiography. She is taken care of by Johannes when their parents are out of the house for work or hide from the police.
Wilfred Horn
Wilfred Horn is a tennis trainer who runs a tennis ranch for whites. He is a German immigrant. When Mathebane requests for training, Horn invites him to participate in a match at the ranch. In his maiden attempt, Mathebane challenged the caliber of the athletes of superior quality. He changed his name to Mark Mathabane during the Soweto riots to disguise his true identity from the white apartheid officials.
Granny
She is Mathabane's maternal grandmother. Mathebane considers her the most beautiful black lady. She has excellent gardening skills. She is a highly motivated and caring lady. When her husband leaves her alone, she works hard to bring up her child alone. Her life has a great impression on the author. Granny supports her daughter and grandchildren in every disastrous situation.
