Carl

Carl Kenwood Jones is Precious’ father, who sexually abused her for most of her childhood. He is never directly present in the story, but plays a horrifying role in Precious’ various flashbacks and reflections. The consequences of his actions also reach far into all aspects of Precious’ life - because of the psychological trauma, her diagnosis as HIV-positive and her two children.

We learn relatively little about Carl’s outer characterization. He is African-American and was born in the Bronx, but he may not have a job, since we learn that he comes to Mama and Precious’ house when he needs food or money (p. 85). Mama later reveals that he was never actually her husband, but instead was married to a lighter-skinned woman and had two children with her. He was probably infected with HIV at some point between the birth of Precious’ ...