The idealistic African-American protagonist whose wrongful conviction sends him to the abusive Nickel Academy reform school. He documents institutional abuses in a diary and is ultimately killed during an escape attempt.
Elwood's resistance directly challenges Spencer's abusive institution.
Spencer runs Nickel Academy while Elwood documents its abuses and exposes its treatment of students.
Their friendship develops within the academy's abusive environment.
Elwood bonds with Turner after arriving at Nickel Academy.
Hattie is Elwood's loving guardian and closest family support.
Hattie raises Elwood as his devoted grandmother and tries to protect him after his conviction.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Nickel Boys