Protagonist and former German-Jewish university professor. A Holocaust survivor who now runs a pawnshop in East Harlem. Emotionally numb, cynical, and alienated due to the traumatic loss of his family in a concentration camp, he views himself as 'beyond bitter' and treats desperate customers with cold indifference.
Sol serves as a cynical but knowledgeable mentor to his young assistant, imparting practical skills while withholding emotional warmth.
Marilyn represents empathy and community outreach, but Sol's trauma forces him to maintain strict emotional distance.
Rodriguez uses violence and intimidation to force Sol into financial compliance, escalating their hostility.
Her desperate offer is met with Sol's cold refusal, highlighting his internal moral code and emotional detachment.
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