The Cross and the Switchblade

David Wilkerson is a small town preacher who travels to New York City to reach the neighborhood youth. He shows persistent compassion, approaching cynical gang members through sermons and personal outreach with the help of a supportive community. His message centers on faith, forgiveness, and the power of the cross to reform lives.

Nicky Cruz begins as a warlord of the Mau Maus, quick tempered and distrustful of outsiders. He resists Wilkerson's message, imagining the preacher as a threat to gang control. In a pivotal moment during a revival, the cross bearing message prompts introspection that challenges his loyalty to violence. His arc hints at potential spiritual awakening and transformation.

Rosa is Nicky's ex girlfriend who struggles with heroin addiction. She negotiates with Nicky for money to fuel her habit, bringing the human cost of street life into focus. Through the church's intervention, including a vigil and support from Hector Gomez's family, she begins to confront withdrawal and seek help. Her arc illustrates resilience and the possibility of recovery with community support.

Hector Gomez runs a small street chapel and opens his home to David Wilkerson. He and his wife Graciela provide shelter, food, and a compassionate space for outreach. He serves as a bridge between the preacher and the neighborhood, reinforcing faith-based support as a practical aid.

Mingo acts as a guide into the neighborhood for David, using street smarts to help connect with the youths. He navigates the gang dynamics and supports the preacher's outreach efforts. His role shows the importance of local allies in faith-based initiatives.

Moonlight is part of the Mau Maus, representing the street level threat that David must reach. He embodies the wary and calculating aspect of gang politics. His interactions with Wilkerson's outreach highlight the tension between violence and faith.

Abdullah is a community member who interacts with the church's efforts and the neighborhood. He helps illustrate the social environment surrounding the outreach and the challenges faced by those living in the area.

Sergeant Delano is a law enforcement officer who, along with the sheriff, influences police strategy toward the neighborhood. He agrees to refrain from surveilling the area, allowing the revival to have an impact. His presence marks the tension between policing and community outreach.