Well, there's also Sam Wood. He is a police officer in the town. At first, he is somewhat influenced by the racial attitudes of the town but as the story progresses, he also has to deal with the changing dynamics brought about by Tibbs' presence and the investigation they are all part of.
One important character is Virgil Tibbs. He brings a different perspective to the town as a black man in a position of authority in the detective work. The other characters include the suspects he has to deal with. Each suspect has their own story and motives, and through his interactions with them, we see more of the complex social fabric of the town.
The characters are interesting because of the racial tensions they represent. For example, Virgil Tibbs being a black man in a predominantly white and racially charged small town in the South. His interactions with the white characters, especially Bill Gillespie, create a lot of drama and conflict.
I don't know as I haven't read the book, but it could be ordinary people living in the area affected by the big heat, like a local shopkeeper, a young student, or a hard - working laborer.
Well, the 'Heat of the Night' novel might deal with themes like the hidden aspects of a small town that come to light during the night. It could be about the relationships between the characters that are affected by the events that occur in the nocturnal hours. Maybe there are secrets and intrigues that are only revealed when the sun goes down and the heat of the night sets in. There could be a crime or some sort of social issue that the story focuses on as well.
Bill Gillespie is a key character in the 'In the Heat of the Night' novel. He is likely a complex figure with his own set of values, beliefs, and relationships within the context of the story.
The themes include identity. The black detective has to constantly assert his identity and worth in a world that tries to marginalize him. Also, there's the theme of community. The novel shows how the actions of individuals can affect the whole community, both positively and negatively.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read this novel. But generally, it might be about events that occur during a night of extreme heat, perhaps involving how characters cope with the heat, any mysteries or dramas that unfold in such a sweltering night.