Character guide

Linda Brent

major

Also known as Linda, Rose, the crushed Rose

The narrator and protagonist, a enslaved woman who escapes and fights for her family's freedom.

Dr. Flint

major

Also known as Mistress Dr. Flint, old Flint, ole massa Flint, Cunning Dr. Flint

Linda's cruel and predatory master who relentlessly pursues her.

Mrs. Flint

supporting

Also known as young Mrs. Flint, old Mrs. Flint, the Children Mrs. Flint

Dr. Flint's jealous and abusive wife who torments Linda.

Benjamin

supporting

Also known as Ben, poor Benjamin, Benny, O Ben

Linda's brother who escapes slavery and later helps her.

William

supporting

Also known as Poor William, brother William

Linda's younger brother who is sold away and later reunited.

Ellen

supporting

Also known as baby Ellen, Poor little Ellen

Linda's daughter, born while she is in hiding.

Mr. Sands

supporting

A white man who fathers Linda's children and later buys them.

Grandmother

supporting

Also known as Aunt Marthy, aunt Marthy

Linda's wise and resilient grandmother who provides refuge.

Aunt Nancy

supporting

Also known as Nancy, aunt Nancy

Linda's aunt who is enslaved on a neighboring plantation.

Mrs. Bruce

supporting

Also known as kind Mrs. Bruce, Kind Mrs. Bruce, The new Mrs. Bruce, Last Mrs. Bruce, Dear Mrs. Bruce

Linda's kind employer in the North who helps her gain freedom.

Peter

minor

Also known as Poor Peter

A slave who helps Linda during her escape.

Betty

minor

Also known as Old Betty

An enslaved woman who assists Linda in hiding.

Phil

minor

Also known as Phillip, Uncle Phillip, uncle Phillip

A free black man who aids Linda's escape.

Cousin Fanny

minor

Also known as Miss Fanny, Fanny, Poor Fanny

Linda's cousin who is also enslaved.

Young Mr. Flint

minor

Also known as young Mr. Flint, Mr. Flint

Dr. Flint's son who inherits the plantation.

Luke

minor

A slave who provides information to Linda.

Aggie

minor

Also known as Poor old Aggie, poor Aggie

An elderly enslaved woman on the Flint plantation.

Mrs. Hobbs

minor

A woman who briefly employs Linda in the North.

Mr. Durham

minor

A kind Quaker who helps Linda.

Mr. Thorne

minor

A slaveholder who appears in a sketch.

Jenny

minor

Also known as Jenny Lind

A famous singer mentioned in the narrative.

James

minor

A slave who attempts to escape with Linda.

Aunt Martha

minor

Also known as Martha, good old aunt Martha

An older enslaved woman who comforts Linda.

Mrs. Sands

minor

Mr. Sands's wife, who takes Linda's children.

Mr. Dodge

minor

A slave catcher who pursues Linda.

Sally

minor

Also known as Sarah

A fellow slave of Linda's.

Willie

minor

Also known as Poor Willie, Bill

A young slave boy on the plantation.

Mr. Pike

minor

Also known as Pious Mr. Pike, brother Pike

A hypocritical slaveholding preacher.

Mrs. Durham

minor

Mr. Durham's wife, who hosts Linda.

Baby Mary

minor

Also known as little Mary, Mary

Linda's daughter who dies in infancy.

Miss Emily Flint

minor

Also known as Emily

Dr. Flint's daughter.

Mr. Bruce

minor

Mrs. Bruce's husband, who supports Linda's freedom.

Lawyer Hopper

minor

A lawyer who advises Linda on legal matters.

Mr. Hobbs

minor

Mrs. Hobbs's husband.

Miss Murray

minor

A woman who employs Linda in the North.

Daniel Dodge

minor

Also known as dan

A slave catcher who pursues Linda.

Nat Turner

minor

Historical leader of a slave rebellion mentioned in the book.

Mr. Litch

minor

A slaveholder who appears briefly.

Uncle Fred

minor

Also known as good uncle Fred

An older enslaved man on the plantation.