Out of the Easy

Willie is the madam of the brothel where Josie’s mother works, and she fulfills the motherly role for Josie in a way that her real mother does not. She is sharp-tongued, wry, and intimidating. She has blonde hair and wears dark red lipstick. She is not afraid to say what she thinks or to yell at someone. Her primary focus is running the brothel as a successful business. She is both observant and well informed thanks to those working for her, so she always knows what is going on. Throughout the novel, her illness becomes more pronounced, but she does not speak about it. She is well known and respected across New Orleans, and when she dies, people from all corners of society pay their respects. She is brash to Josie but shows that she cares by giving her a gold watch and by trying to protect Josie from her mother. Willie comes from a poor home life; it is implied that her father sexually abused her. However, Willie does not show vulnerability to anyone.

Patrick Marlowe is Josie’s best friend. Patrick works with Josie at Marlowe’s, the bookstore his father owns. He has known Josie since she was a child and his father, Charlie, allowed her to move into the room upstairs. He is a graduate of Loyola and is passionate about books and playing piano. He is handsome and well dressed, and Josie develops romantic feelings for him. He is gay and in love with his friend James. He keeps his sexual orientation a secret and experiences turmoil over it. He is a good son to Charlie and is dedicated to taking care of Charlie in his declining health. Charlie’s death is very difficult for him and he remains a loyal friend to Josie throughout the novel.

Cokie is a mixed-race man who has worked as Willie’s driver for years. He drives his own cab but loves when he gets a chance to drive Willie’s Cadillac. Cokie has known Josie since her second night in New Orleans, and acts as a father figure to her. He is “the only man [Josie] [feels] truly safe with” (28). Cokie watches out for Josie and checks on her often. He is also her biggest champion when it comes to her dream to attend Smith. He believes wholeheartedly that she will get accepted and move to Massachusetts. He is a gambler, and after a big winning streak gives Josie thousands of dollars to attend school. He is afraid of guns and wants Josie to escape the crime of the French Quarter. At the end of the novel, Josie takes his last name, Coquard.

Jesse Thierry is a young man who knows Josie from school. He is originally from Alabama, and now lives in the Quarter with his grandma. He sells flowers, is a first-generation college student, and has a passion for riding his motorcycle and fixing up his car. He is described as extremely good looking, and “striking and edgy” (13); many women are interested in him. Jesse is only interested in Josie, and goes out of his way to talk to her. He treats her with kindness and respect, but also enjoys teasing her and flirting with her, saying confidently that she likes him. He comes from a troubled family; his dad is a criminal and alcoholic who killed his mom and injured Jesse by crashing the car. Jesse’s dad named him after Jesse James. Jesse is supportive of Josie’s dream to move to Massachusetts and attend Smith College. He does not doubt her ability to make this a reality and hopes to join her there in the future.

Louise Moraine is Josie’s mother. She is thin and beautiful but cruel and selfish. She works as a prostitute for Willie but moves to California with Cincinnati, a criminal. She believes that she will become a famous actress in Hollywood, which Josie thinks is ridiculous. Louise only cares about money and appearances, often commenting to Josie that she should try to look sexier. She is in love with Cincinnati even though he does not treat her or Josie well. She neglects Josie and tells her that she ruined her nice body. She and Cincinnati drug Forrest Hearne, resulting in his death. Josie is forced to inherit her mother’s mob debt, and her mother functions as an antagonist in the novel.