Apollo Kagwa
Apollo Kagwa is the protagonist in the novel The Changeling by Victor LaValle. Apollo is the son of Lilian Kagwa and Brian. The author depicts Brian as an intelligent, loving, respectful, and caring young man. Apollo grows up under the care of his mother because his father leaves them when he is four years old. Apollo loves reading and writing, an attribute he learns from his absent father.
At age 34, Apollo marries Emma, and after one year, they receive their first son, whom they name Baby Brian. Unfortunate events follow Apollo's family, and his wife develops a mental illness. One day, Emma accidentally kills their son and vanishes. Apollo does everything to uncover the mystery of his wife's disappearance. Apollo's resilience leads him to an island under a cult leader, where he finds Emma. Apollo also works tirelessly to save his father from the same island.
Lillian Kagwa
Lilian Kagwa is Apollo's mother and wife to Brian. Lillian works as a secretary at a fraudulent New York City agency. Lillian is an optimistic and caring woman who single-handedly raises her son after her husband leaves the family. When Apollo matures, Lillian tells him she kicked out his father because he was irresponsible.
Brian West
Brian West is the husband of Lillian and Apollo's father. Brian is a Parole officer who investigates the founder of the fraudulent agency where Lillian works. The author describes Brian as handsome, charming, and captivating. After Brian interacts with Lillian for some time, she falls in love with him, and they get married. However, Brian is irresponsible and not ready to carry the burden of raising a family. Brian quits the marriage, leaving Lillian to raise their son single-handedly.
Emma Valentine
Emma Valentine is Apollo's wife and mother to Baby Brian. Emma works at a local library frequented by Apollo. Emma is charismatic and stunning. Apollo marries Emma the first instance he meets her. Unfortunately, after giving birth, Emma develops a mental illness, and she accidentally kills their son. Knowing the magnitude of her crime, Lillian runs away from her home. Apollo manages to rescue Emma, and they reconcile and leave happily afterward.
Patrice Green
Patrice Green is Dana's husband and a close friend of Apollo. Patrice and his wife are friendly and supportive because they combine efforts to help Apollo adapt to the new environment after his release from jail.
William Wheeler
William Wheeler is the person who buys Apollo’s book How to Kill a Morning Bird. Wheeler's wife is a big fan of Apollo's books, and he believes he will return his wife home. Wheeler leads Apollo to an island of witches under a cult leader called Cal. Wheeler believes Emma is hiding on the island, and Apollo agrees to accompany him. Fortunately, Apollo manages to find Emma on the island.
