Antwone Fisher dedicates his autobiography to his father, Eddie Elkins. Industry is thriving in Cleveland in 1959 when the story starts. Horace Elkins is a respected part of the Glenville community. Horace’s surname was taken from a slave plantation owner the previous generation. An educated man, he is married to Emma, who caretakes both her own nine children and other local kids. After much debate, Horace quits his oppressive job at the hospital.

Horace’s son, Eddie, also walks away from military service. He is gifted and attractive, charming the local girls, but also has a temper. Eddie has two children by Frances, whose stepfather molests her and will shortly be released from prison. Concerned for his children’s welfare, Eddie pressures Frances to take them to his sister’s. A month previously, he even threatened Frances with a gun. Emma and Horace both have strange premonitions on the hot day that Eddie leaves the family’s house in a suit and high spirits.

Meanwhile, Jess Fisher is elated after taking a job at the union office. The oldest of six children, he has recently returned from the war in Japan. After his mother’s death, his siblings were scattered, unable to cohabit with their alcoholic father.