George, also known as Djuro, is the main character of the first part of the book. He is the first generation of his Slovak family to immigrate to America in search of work and a better life. Though he is a hardworking immigrant for most of his life, he initially squanders all his money away on the boat ride to America while attempting to impress Zuska. He later begins an affair with Zuska after the two are reunited in Braddock and he has become a successful butcher shop owner. Though the affair is brought to light, George does not end it. His stubbornness is highlighted in this event, and reveals his eventual downfall as well. He marries Zuska after Elena dies, though he realizes that Zuska is stealing from him while he is financially troubled, making matters worse. George beats Zuska and is arrested, while Zuska leaves him and is never heard from again. In one summer, George’s livelihood is destroyed due to debts, thus showing how quickly the American Dream can vanish. 

Elena is George's wife, who eventually immigrates to America about a year after George. While in Hungary, Elena has a son that later dies.