A Contract with God

Main Characters and Their Development

• Frimme Hersh: The protagonist of the first novella, «A Contract with God». Frimme is a Jewish immigrant who makes a contract with God, promising to live a righteous life in exchange for well-being. However, after the death of his adopted daughter, he becomes disillusioned with God and breaks the contract, leading to his moral decline and inner conflict.
• Mr. Scuggs: The protagonist of the second novella, «The Super». He is the superintendent of an apartment building who uses his position to manipulate and exploit the tenants. His greed and immorality lead to his downfall when the tenants unite against him.
• Goldberg: The protagonist of the third novella, «The Street Singer». Goldberg is a talented singer striving for success and fame. His journey to the top is accompanied by moral dilemmas and compromises, ultimately leading to his inner emptiness.
• Elka: The protagonist of the fourth novella, «Cookalein». Elka is a young woman dreaming of a better life and trying to find her place in the world. Her story highlights the challenges and trials women face in their quest for independence and happiness.