The narrator is a “definitively black” Earthling interested in the success of Um-Helat (15). They can be standoffish, bold, and blunt.

Homeless and hungry, the narrator is a self-described “scrawny dude” (25). He often feels paranoid and unloved. When he was “a kid his own mama kicked him out” (19). He spends most of his adult life running from the cops and judgement, until he runs into Paulo, who gives him a mission and path to prosperity. 

Paulo is a smoker with a “nice mouth” and “permanent puppy dog eyes” (15). The narrator has “never seen him eat”, just smoke, drink coffee, and blab (15). Further, “[h]e’s always saying cryptic shit” (22).