<Li> Alva: one of Emma Lou's love interests in Harlem . He is a lighter - skinned man who manipulates women to use their money to get by . Married twice already, he has become alcoholic . </Li> <Li> Braxton: Alva's roommate . He does not approve of Alva's seeing Emma Lou because of her skin color . </Li> <Li> Geraldine: one of Alva's companions; she bears his son, who is born disfigured . She abandons them both . </Li> <Li> John: Emma Lou's first love interest in Harlem . </Li>

The blacker the berry a novel of negro life