Darkwater · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Darkwater by W. E. B. Du Bois.
The Narrator
major
Also known as Unknown, I, mine, myself
The first-person narrator and focal character, reflecting on race, history, and personal experience.
The Woman
supporting
Also known as the woman, hers, herself
A recurring female figure, often symbolic or allegorical, central to several passages.
The Stranger
supporting
Also known as The stranger, You—you
An enigmatic figure who appears in key narrative moments, often addressing the narrator.
The Messenger
supporting
Also known as The messenger, himself
A herald-like character delivering news or prophecy within the narrative.
The Colonel
minor
Also known as the colonel, The colonel
A military authority figure appearing in scenes of conflict and command.
Harriet Tubman
minor
Also known as Harriet, Tubman
Historical freedom fighter referenced as a symbol of resistance and courage.
The Judge's Wife
minor
Also known as The judge ’s wife, the judge ’s wife
A minor character representing Southern white womanhood in a courtroom scene.
Coleridge-Taylor
minor
Also known as Coleridge - Taylor, Taylor
A composer and cultural figure mentioned in discussions of Black artistry.
Julia
minor
Also known as Julia
A named female character with personal ties to the narrator's family history.
Alfred Du Bois
minor
Also known as Alfred Du Bois, Alfred
The narrator's father, a figure from his personal and family narrative.
The Judge
minor
Also known as The judge, the judge
A legal authority presiding over a pivotal courtroom scene.
Louise De Mortie
minor
Also known as Louise De Mortie
A historical figure mentioned in the context of Black women's activism.
Young Naval Officer
minor
Also known as a tall , handsome , young naval officer
A romanticized figure appearing in a brief narrative vignette.
Dr. James Du Bois
minor
Also known as Dr. James Du Bois, Jim
A relative of the narrator, mentioned in family history.
Charles Young
minor
Also known as Charlie, Charles Young
A Black military officer and contemporary of the narrator.
The Master
minor
Also known as The Master, the master, the Master
An allegorical figure of authority and oppression in the narrative.
Tom Burghardt
minor
Also known as Tom Burghardt, Tom
An ancestor of the narrator, part of the family's origin story.
The Priest of Japan
minor
Also known as the priest of Japan
A symbolic figure representing Eastern spirituality in a philosophical passage.
Fortson
minor
Also known as Fortson
A named individual appearing in a historical or personal anecdote.
Mary Still
minor
Also known as Mary, Mary Still, Mary Shadd
A Black activist and writer referenced in the text.
Mother
minor
Also known as Mother
The narrator's mother, a figure in his personal history.
Grandfather Burghardt
minor
Also known as Grandfather, Grandfather Burghardt
The narrator's grandfather, part of the family lineage.
Fleming
minor
Also known as Fleming
A named character in a historical or personal reference.
Cousin Inez
minor
Also known as cousin Inez, Inez
A relative of the narrator mentioned in family context.
Frederick Douglass
minor
Also known as Frederick Douglass, Douglass, Frederick
Abolitionist leader referenced as a historical figure and symbol.
Jim Crow
minor
Also known as Jim - Crow, Jim
Personification of segregation laws, appearing as a symbolic character.
Jim Davis
minor
Also known as Jim Davis, Jim
A named individual in a narrative episode or historical reference.
Sojourner Truth
minor
Also known as Sojourner Truth
Historical abolitionist and women's rights activist mentioned in the text.
Kate Ferguson
minor
Also known as Kate Ferguson
A historical figure referenced in discussions of Black community work.
Alfred Noyes
minor
Also known as Alfred Noyes
A poet quoted or referenced in the narrative.
Alexander Du Bois
minor
Also known as Alexander Du Bois, Alexander
A relative of the narrator mentioned in family history.
David Livingstone
minor
Also known as David, David Livingstone
Explorer and missionary referenced in a historical context.
Lloyd George
minor
Also known as Lloyd George
British Prime Minister mentioned in political commentary.
Paul Laurence Dunbar
minor
Also known as Paul, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Dunbar
Poet and writer referenced as a cultural figure.
General Pershing
minor
Also known as Pershing, General Pershing
American general mentioned in a military or historical context.
