Becoming Characters

A pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Wright officiates at Michelle and Barack’s wedding. Later, Michelle and Barack are scrutinized for their connection to him because old sermons of his are unearthed, criticizing the treatment of African Americans in America.

A mentor of Michelle’s who works at the Third World Center at Princeton, a student center meant to support students of color. Czerny opens Michelle’s eyes to a variety of things: she shows her New York City, recommends academic reading to her, and always pushes her to “think bigger.”

A young man Michelle and Barack hire during the campaign to cook meals for their family, after Malia’s body mass index starts to creep up. Sam helps Michelle plan the garden in the White House and helps her with her children’s health initiative, Let’s Move!

Barack’s mother, who grew up in Kansas and met Barack Obama Sr. in college in Hawaii. Their marriage was short-lived, but Ann always made sure that her son felt loved and got a good education. Ann passes away during Barack’s campaign for Illinois senate.

A fifteen-year-old honor student from the South Side of Chicago who performed in the Inaugural parade. Eight days after the Inauguration, she was shot and killed in Chicago. Michelle attended her funeral.

Barack’s father, a Kenyan man who married Barack’s mother, Ann Dunham, after they attended college. Barack Obama Sr. died in a car crash when Barack was twenty-six years old.

The forty-fifth president of the United States and Barack’s successor as president. During his campaign, Michelle is appalled by his racist and misogynistic language and policies.

The Democratic nominee for president in the 2004 presidential campaign, running against George W. Bush. Kerry selects Barack as the keynote speaker for the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

The Republican nominee for president in 2008, running against Barack. McCain was also a Senator from Arizona.

Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, who works with Michelle on her Joining Forces initiative.

A chief strategist for Barack’s presidential campaign and ultimately a senior advisor to Barack when he becomes president.

The forty-second president of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. Also Hillary Clinton’s husband.

One of Barack’s competitors for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008 and a former Senator from North Carolina.

The forty-third president of the United States, serving from 2001 to 2009.

Michelle’s predecessor as First Lady and George W. Bush’s wife.

Michelle’s high school friend and the daughter of the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Michelle’s paternal grandmother, and Dandy’s wife.

Barack’s Vice President.

Michelle’s college boyfriend.

John McCain’s wife.

Michelle’s successor as First Lady and Donald Trump’s wife.

The in-house legal counsel for the University of Chicago.