The Diamond as Big as the Ritz

Main Characters and Their Development

• John T. Unger — the protagonist, a student from a poor family who receives an invitation from his classmate Percy Washington to visit his home. John is dazzled by the luxury and wealth of the Washington family but soon begins to realize that there are many secrets and dangers lurking beneath the surface. His development involves a transition from naive admiration to an awareness of the moral and ethical dilemmas associated with wealth and power.
• Percy Washington — John's classmate and heir to a vast fortune. He invites John to his family's home, which is built atop a giant diamond. Percy embodies a person accustomed to luxury and power, yet he is also aware that his family lives in isolation and constant fear of exposure.
• Braddock Washington — Percy's father, the head of the Washington family. He is the embodiment of wealth and power, but also paranoia, as he is willing to do anything to keep the secret of his fortune. His development involves a gradual realization that his wealth cannot provide him with true happiness and security.
• Kismine — a mysterious character who serves the Washingtons. She symbolizes the mystery and danger surrounding the family. Her role in the story underscores the theme of the illusory nature of wealth and its destructive influence on people.