This essay will examine the character demographics and symbolism in Edward J Jones’s short story collections Lost in the City and All Aunt Hagar's Children. The study will discuss the distinctive aesthetic of the "cornucopia of characters he has built in Washington DC, which proves to be realistic in a real scenario and will offer a specific symbolic portrayal of black's existence under blacks." Jones uses discourse for his characters that contains characteristics of the Southern American dialect. Subtle speech differences start to show up as these various personas engage and communicate with one another. In addition, speech patterns and inclinations start to show themselves as these characters interact and speak. These trends point to changes in the Black community's speech and the location, demography, and general character of Washington, DC.