Herman E. Calloway is a fictional character from the novel "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis. He is portrayed as a jazz musician and the father figure of the protagonist, Bud Caldwell. Calloway is depicted as a strong and sometimes stern man, deeply connected to the music scene of the 1930s. In the story, Calloway's character plays a crucial role in Bud's journey to find his family. He is also shown to have a complex personality, balancing his tough exterior with moments of vulnerability. His character represents themes of family, identity, and the impact of music during the Great Depression.