Initially published in 1853, the book provides a detailed, first-hand account of Northup’s harrowing experiences as a free man kidnapped and sold into slavery. As much as it is a narrative about Northup’s endurance and eventual triumph, ’12 Years a Slave‘ is equally a portrayal of the diverse cast of characters that crossed his path during his captivity.
Solomon Northup
The protagonist of the novel. Northup is a free Black man from New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. He was born free in Minerva, Essex County, New York, in July 1807. He was the son of Mintus Northup, a freed enslaved person and a free woman of color. Solomon was a skilled carpenter and violinist and led a successful life as a free man.
In 1841, while working as a musician in Saratoga Springs, New York, he was offered a job by two men. However, these men drugged him and sold him into slavery in Washington. Northup was transported to New Orleans, where he was sold to a plantation owner.
For the next twelve years, Northup lived as a slave under several owners. His freedom was restored in 1853 with the help of Samuel Bass, who sent letters to notify Northup’s family of his location.
Solomon is very intelligent and kind but is forced to harden his expectations of people during is twelve years of enslavement. He’s the narrator of the novel and often portrays his anger and desperation in clear language.
In addition to his memoir, Northup shared his experiences through lectures across the northeast United States. He became involved in the abolitionist movement, using his narrative to educate people about the realities of slavery.
Edwin Epps
The master to whom Solomon is enslaved for ten years. He’s a drunk who is known for cruelly punishing his slaves. He is also known for raping Patsey, a young woman who works on the plantation.
John Tibeats
A very cruel master to whom Solomon belongs for a short period of time. He lives on the Red River. Tibeats is incredibly dangerous and violent. He tries to kill Solomon more than once. He even tries to lynch him.
William Ford
The first master Solomon is forced to contend with once he gets to Louisiana. He’s a compassionate man who, despite his kindness, still seems to think slavery is okay. He tries to protect Solomon to some degree but is forced to sell him to Tibeats. Later, Ford convinces Tibeats to sell Solomon. He later becomes a Baptist preacher.
Mrs. Epps
Edwin Epps’ wife. She is nearly as hateful and cruel as her husband is. She hates Patsey, one of their slaves, because her husband rapes her.
James Burch
A slave-dealer and the first man to whom Solomon is enslaved. He is the one who informs Solomon about what’s happened to him, and Solomon tries to protest, insisting that he’s a free man. This is the first time that Solomon has been whipped.
Bass Avery
A carpenter who is regarded as an abolitionist. He helps Solomon regain his freedom by mailing his letters to friends in Saratoga, New York.
Patsey
An enslaved woman on Epps’ plantation, she’s only twenty-three years old. Epps rapes her and Mrs. Epps tortures her out of jealousy. She’s highly intelligent but eventually has her spirit broken by her incessantly terrible masters.
Eliza
A woman who is sold at an auction in Virginia. Solomon feels incredibly bad for her as he watches her be separated from her children.
Abram
An enslaved man on Epps’ plantation. He’s a quiet, yet kind man.
Armsby
An overseer of a neighboring plantation to Epps’. He betrays Solomon.
Elizabeth, Margaret, and Alonzo Northup
Solomon’s three children. They are ten, eight, and five, respectively, when their father is kidnapped.
Peter Tanner
William Ford’s brother-in-law. He is described as cruel and using the whip, wooden stocks, and more to control the slaves in his possession.
Wily
An older slave who is married to Phoebe. He’s severely punished for trying to run away.
FAQs
Who is the main character in ’12 Years a Slave?’
The main character of ’12 Years a Slave’ is Solomon Northup, a free African American man from upstate New York who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South.
Is Solomon Northup a real historical figure?
Yes, Solomon Northup was a real person. The novel is based on his experiences. It was published in 1853, a year after his rescue.
Who are the other important characters in the novel?
Other notable characters include Edwin Epps, a cruel plantation owner; William Ford, a somewhat benevolent slave owner; Patsey, a fellow slave and object of Epps’ obsession; and Bass, an abolitionist who helps Solomon regain his freedom.
Who is the character William Ford?
William Ford is Solomon’s first owner, a man who demonstrates some kindness towards his slaves. Ford is a preacher who unfortunately finds himself embroiled in the contradiction of owning slaves while adhering to Christian principles.
