Character guide

Josiah Henson

major

Also known as Father Henson, Henson, Rev. Josiah Henson, the said Josiah Henson

The narrator and protagonist, an enslaved man who escapes to Canada and becomes a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Amos Riley

major

Also known as Master Amos, master Amos, Mr. Amos Riley, Riley, Mr. Amos, Amos Riley, poor Amos

Josiah's harsh master who separates him from his family and sells him south.

Isaac Riley

supporting

Also known as Riley, old Riley, Isaac

Brother of Amos Riley, a cruel slaveholder who beats Josiah and later sells him.

Charlotte

supporting

Josiah's wife, who remains in Maryland when he is taken south and later reunites with him in Canada.

James Lightfoot

supporting

Also known as the James Lightfoot

A fellow enslaved man who travels with Josiah and later helps him on the Underground Railroad.

Mr. Francis Newman

supporting

Also known as Mr. Newman, Newman, Francis, Frank, Mr. Frank, Master Frank

A kind white man who helps Josiah and his family escape to Canada.

Samuel Gurney

supporting

An English Quaker philanthropist who supports Josiah's work and helps him in London.

Bryce Litton

minor

Also known as Litton

A slave trader who purchases Josiah and takes him south.

Mr. Hibbard

minor

Also known as a Mr. Hibbard

A white man who hires Josiah and treats him relatively well.

Little Tom

minor

Also known as Tom, Thomas Binney, Rev. Messrs. Thomas Binney

A young enslaved boy who becomes a friend to Josiah in childhood.

Mr. Isaac

minor

Also known as Isaac

A slaveholder who briefly owns Josiah after a sale.

David

minor

Josiah's brother, also enslaved, who appears early in the narrative.

Robb

minor

A fellow enslaved man on the Riley plantation.

Mrs. Riley

minor

Also known as Riley

Wife of Amos Riley, who manages the household slaves.

Mr. Frank Taylor

minor

A white man who assists Josiah during his escape.

Amos Lawrence

minor

Also known as Hon . Charles Sumner and Amos Lawrence , Esq . , of Massachusetts, Charles Sumner

A Massachusetts philanthropist who supports abolitionist causes.

Victoria

minor

Queen Victoria, mentioned in connection with Josiah's visit to England.

Dr. Josiah McPherson

minor

Also known as Dr. McPherson, Josiah, McPherson

A doctor who treats Josiah after a severe injury.

Lord John Russell

minor

British statesman who meets Josiah during his London visit.