The central romantic arc follows (later Matthew Fisher ) and Helen Givens .

The ease with which "pure" white characters fall for race-changed Black characters mocks the concept of biological racial difference.

While not a romantic lead, the scientist who invented the procedure acts as the catalyst for the entire plot, fundamentally altering the "marriage market" of America by making race a fluid, mechanical property rather than a biological one. Themes in Romantic Narrative

Max's friend and fellow veteran who also undergoes the procedure. He serves as a confidant to Max throughout his romantic and social deception.

After undergoing the "Black-No-More" procedure to become white, Max adopts the identity of Matthew Fisher . He moves to the South, rises to power within a white supremacist organization (the Knights of Nordica), and encounters Helen again.

The central marriage highlights how personal identity is often sacrificed for social and economic gain.

Unaware of his true heritage, Helen falls in love with and marries Matthew. The relationship is built on a foundation of deception, which Matthew maintains even as Helen becomes pregnant.

When their baby is born with a "mulatto" appearance, Matthew finally confesses his true identity. In a satirical twist on "true love," Helen does not care about his heritage, and the family flees to Mexico to live together. Supporting Relationships