A light-skinned Black woman living in Harlem, married to a doctor. She reunites with her childhood friend Clare, becomes increasingly uncomfortable with Clare's intrusion into her life, and is ultimately implicated in Clare's fatal fall from a window.
Irene serves as the central narrative focus driving the story's emotional and plot progression.
Felise is a trusted friend who shares Irene's racial identity and provides grounding.
Irene trusts Hugh with her deepest secret regarding Clare's racial background.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Passing