Madison Foster Character Analysis

Madison Foster is Robert Foster’s older brother. He’s a role model for Robert growing up, especially because he’s also a doctor. But unlike Robert, Madison chooses to continue practicing in their segregated hometown of Monroe, Louisiana. He’s the only Black doctor in town, and he spends much of his time treating Black patients in the poor areas around town. He’s not allowed to treat most white patients or even enter the local hospital, where the medical staff is completely white, and he simply avoids entering segregated establishments—including most stores, theaters, and restaurants in town. The contrast between Madison and Robert represents the dilemma many Black Americans faced in the 20th century: whether to migrate and contribute to the community from afar (like Robert) or stay in place, work hard, and weather the humiliation of Jim Crow (like Madison). Tragically and ironically, after Robert convinces Madison to get an important gall bladder surgery in Los Angeles, Madison dies of an unpreventable blood clot. His son, Madison, Jr., leaves the South and has a close but occasionally contentious relationship with his uncle Robert.