Maniac Magee Characters

Jeffrey “Maniac” Magee is a legendary figure in the history of Two Mills, Pennsylvania. Throughout most of the story, Maniac is a homeless orphan who longs for a family and a home. He is from… read analysis of Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee

Amanda is the first person who talks to Maniac in Two Mills. She is a kind, studious, spirited girl. Amanda carries her entire book collection around town in a suitcase so that her younger siblings… read analysis of Amanda Beale

Grayson is an elderly parkhand who works at the Elmwood Park Zoo. He is an outwardly gruff man though he is actually kind at heart. Grayson discovers the homeless Maniac living in the buffalo pen… read analysis of Earl Grayson

Giant John McNab is a huge 12-year-old, the pitcher for Two Mills’ Little League baseball team. He’s also a bully, part of a gang called the Cobras. Maniac Magee breaks Giant John’s strikeout record the… read analysis of Giant John McNab

Mars Bar is so nicknamed because he’s often seen eating his favorite candy bar. He is revered as the toughest kid in Two Mills’ East End and he bullies Maniac relentlessly when Maniac first arrives… read analysis of Mars Bar Thompson

Finsterwald lives at 803 Oriole Street. Finsterwald never actually appears in the story—he’s just the subject of ominous rumors spread by generations of West End kids. It’s believed that if a kid—like Arnold Jones—is… read analysis of Finsterwald

Mrs. Beale is the mother of Amanda and Hester and Lester Beale and the wife of Mr. Beale. She spends much of her time cleaning up the youngest children’s messes. Mrs. Beale is warm-hearted… read analysis of Mrs. Beale

Mrs. Pickwell has 11 children who are called home for dinner by her whistling each night. Besides Mr. Pickwell, her household also includes Grandmother and Grandfather Pickwell, Great-grandfather Pickwell, and whatever down-and-out person the family… read analysis of Mrs. Valerie Pickwell

George is the father of Giant John and Piper and Russell McNab. He is rarely home, is covered with tattoos, and appears to be an alcoholic. George has very hostile and paranoid racist beliefs… read analysis of George McNab

Dot and Dan are Maniac’s aunt and uncle. Maniac lives with them for eight years after his parents are killed. Dot and Dan hate each other, but as staunch Catholics, they refuse to get… read analysis of Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan