Marcia Carter (played by Beatrice Pearson) is a protagonist in Lost Boundaries.
Scott's wife and fellow light-skinned African American woman. Originally from a family that passed as white in Boston. Supports Scott's decision to live as white, raises their children, and eventually accepts the truth when revealed during WWII. Dr. Scott Mason Carter (played by Mel Ferrer) is a protagonist in Lost Boundaries.
Light-skinned African American physician who passes as white to practice medicine in 1920s-1940s New Hampshire due to systemic racism. Maintains his secret until WWII service revocation forces the truth upon his family and community. Shelly Carter (played by Susan Douglas) appears in Lost Boundaries.
Scott and Marcia's daughter. Initially unaware of her racial background, displays internalized racism by using a slur about Arthur's visit. Later faces social fallout when the family secret is revealed and navigates teenage life amidst the family's public reckoning. Howard 'Howie' Carter (played by Richard Hylton) appears in Lost Boundaries.
Scott and Marcia's son, initially unaware of his racial heritage. Enlists in the Navy, faces a severe racial identity crisis after his father's commission is revoked. Travels to Harlem to understand Black life, gets arrested, and ultimately reconciles with his identity and family.
Lost Boundaries (1949) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Marcia Carter
(played by Beatrice Pearson) — protagonist
Scott's wife and fellow light-skinned African American woman. Originally from a family that passed as white in Boston. Supports Scott's decision to live as white, raises their children, and eventually...
Dr. Scott Mason Carter
(played by Mel Ferrer) — protagonist
Light-skinned African American physician who passes as white to practice medicine in 1920s-1940s New Hampshire due to systemic racism. Maintains his secret until WWII service revocation forces the tru...
Shelly Carter
(played by Susan Douglas) — supporting
Scott and Marcia's daughter. Initially unaware of her racial background, displays internalized racism by using a slur about Arthur's visit. Later faces social fallout when the family secret is reveale...
Howard 'Howie' Carter
(played by Richard Hylton) — supporting
Scott and Marcia's son, initially unaware of his racial heritage. Enlists in the Navy, faces a severe racial identity crisis after his father's commission is revoked. Travels to Harlem to understand B...
Key Relationships
Howard 'Howie' Carter → Shelly Carter
(Family Siblings)
Dr. Scott Mason Carter → Marcia Carter
(Family Spouses)
Dr. Scott Mason Carter → Howard 'Howie' Carter
(Family Father)
Dr. Scott Mason Carter → Shelly Carter
(Family Father)
Story Analysis
A dramatic exploration of racial passing, systemic discrimination, and identity formation in mid-20th century America.
