by the women of the quarters after being abandoned by his mother, Jimmy's dedication to education and social justice inspired many.

His attempts to mobilize the local community for civil rights demonstrations were met with re-sistance, and he was ultimately killed for his activism. However, his martyrdom galvanized even the most passive individuals, like Miss Jane, to take action against the oppressive racist system.

Jules Raynard

Jules Raynard, a white man of kindness and intelligence, served as a godfather to Tee Bob Samson and a supportive figure to Robert Samson, Sr. His compassion and understanding of the detrimental impact of institutional racism on young people earned him the respect of Miss Jane Pittman, more than any other white person. Jules played a crucial role during the crisis following Tee Bob's suicide, advocating for truth and justice.

Albert Cluveau

Albert Cluveau, a notorious Cajun assassin, was responsible for the murder of Ned Douglass. Despite being a cold and calculating killer, Cluveau maintained an oddly amicable relationship with Jane, even participating in mutual pastimes like fishing. His lack of remorse for killing Ned highlights his sinister nature. Cluveau's life ended in madness, plagued by the fear that Jane had cursed him, leading to his death in terror.

Robert Samson, Sr.

Robert Samson, Sr., owner of the Samson plantation, was a staunch defender of the Old South's values. Although not personally malicious, his adherence to the racist status quo left him unsym-pathetic to black civil rights. Tall and spirited, he was similar to his natural son Timmy Henderson in both appearance and personality, but he failed to acknowledge the destructive impact of his beliefs and actions on his family and community.

Tee Bob

Tee Bob, legally known as Robert Samson, Jr., was the only child and heir to Robert Samson, Sr. His tragic love for Mary Agnes LeFabre, a mulatto schoolteacher, and the societal pressures surrounding their interracial relationship led him to commit suicide. Tee Bob's sorrowful demise highlighted the insurmountable racial barriers and social restrictions of his time.

Mary Agnes LeFabre

Mary Agnes LeFabre, the object of Tee Bob's affection, was a mulatto teacher working on the Samson plantation. Proud of her Creole heritage, she was aware of the limitations imposed by her race and maintained a respectful distance from Tee Bob, ultimately rejecting his love be-cause of the societal implications. Her forced departure after Tee Bob's death underscored the tragic outcomes of racial and social divides.

Timmy Henderson

Timmy Henderson, the illegitimate son of Robert Samson, Sr., shared a striking physical resem-blance and personality with his father. Raised on the Samson plantation, he faced constant challenges due to his mixed-race identity. His eventual expulsion from the plantation after a con-frontation with the white overseer Tom Joe illustrated the pervasive and destructive effects of racial discrimination.

Amma Dean Samson

Amma Dean Samson, Robert Sr.’s wife, was the mistress of the Samson plantation. She embodied the domestic heart of the enterprise, concerned with the management of the black staff and her son's wellbeing. Resigned to Timmy Henderson's presence, she allowed his companionship with Tee Bob but was devastated by Tee Bob's suicide, despite warnings about his love for Mary Agnes.

The narrator

The narrator, a black history teacher, provides the frame for Miss Jane Pittman's autobiography. Although not a fully developed character, the narrator's presence is significant, lending an educa-ted perspective to Jane’s experiences and emphasizing the broader significance of her life as a representation of the Southern black experience.

Olivia Antoine

Olivia Antoine, a resourceful woman from the plantation quarters, played an essential role in the community by selling small items and running errands for the elderly. She took young Jimmy Aaron along on her errands, nurturing his growth and development. Olivia's commitment to the civil rights movement was demonstrated when she volunteered to drive community members to a courthouse demonstration.

Big Laura

Big Laura, remembered for her strength and leadership, was a matriarch among the freed slaves. She guided a group northward until a Confederate massacre left only her son Ned and Jane alive. Her protective nature and tragic end left a lasting impact on Jane, who took on the responsibility of raising Ned in her stead.

Black Harriet

Black Harriet, known as the "queen" of the fields at the Samson plantation, was challenged by Katie Nelson for her title. During their competition, Harriet's mental breakdown and subsequent beating by Tom Joe highlighted the harsh realities and pressures faced by black workers during that time.

Mr. Bone

Mr. Bone was the overseer of a plantation during Reconstruction, tasked with managing the land and its workers. Despite his efforts to aid Republican candidates and improve conditions, his tenure ended when the government returned the land to its former owner, Colonel Eugene I. Dye. Bone's departure marked a return to oppressive conditions for Jane and others.

Etienne Bouie

Etienne Bouie served as a yardman at the Samson plantation during Tee Bob's time. As one of the older plantation residents, his presence connected the past with the present, serving as a witness to the changes occurring around him.

Mr. Brown

Mr. Brown was the Union soldier who encouraged Ticey to rename herself Jane Brown, in honor of his daughter. This encounter sparked Jane's desire for freedom and independence and motivated her journey northward in pursuit of freedom.

Jimmy Caya

Jimmy Caya, seeking acceptance into higher social echelons, befriended Tee Bob Samson. How-ever, his views on race and relationships caused conflict, especially when Tee Bob confided in him about his feelings for Mary Agnes LeFabre. Jimmy's attempt to manipulate the situation fol-lowing Tee Bob's suicide only resulted in humiliation.

Mr. Clyde

Mr. Clyde owned the ranch where Joe Pittman worked as Chief Breaker. A generous and fair employer, Clyde loaned Joe money to settle debts and allowed him autonomy in his work. His support provided the Pittman family with a period of stability and success.

Vivian Douglass

Vivian Douglass, the supportive wife of Ned Douglass, understood the risks of Ned's activism but stood by him. After his assassination, Vivian considered continuing his work but ultimately returned to Kansas for safety, carrying forward Ned's legacy of courage and commitment to edu-cation and equality.

Colonel Eugene I. Dye

Colonel Eugene I. Dye regained control of the plantation after Reconstruction, restoring harsh conditions reminiscent of slavery. His erratic behavior and oppressive management forced Jane and Joe Pittman to seek a better life elsewhere, illustrating the challenges of the post-war South.

Madame Eloise Gautier

Madame Eloise Gautier, a "hoo-doo" woman, offered psychic insights and advice to Jane Pitt-man. Although Jane consulted her regarding her ominous dreams about Joe's death, she remained skeptical of Gautier's powers and ultimately chose to act on her intuition.

Sheriff Sam Guidry

Sheriff Sam Guidry, representing the law in the Bayonne area, exemplified the prejudices of the time, treating blacks and whites disparately. His handling of incidents, such as Tee Bob's suicide and the subsequent investigation, reflected the broader societal tensions and racial injus-tices.

Joe Hardy

Joe Hardy, a teacher on the Samson plantation, exploited his position by swindling plantation workers and engaging in inappropriate behavior. His actions led to his expulsion after he incited conflict with law enforcement, highlighting the challenges and pitfalls of those entrusted with educating the community.

Aunt Lena

Aunt Lena, also known as Lena Washington, was one of the dedicated women from the commu-nity who raised Jimmy Aaron. Her nurturing and hopeful belief in Jimmy's potential mirrored the community's aspirations for progress and leadership through the younger generation.

Miss Lilly

Miss Lilly, the first teacher on the Samson plantation, sought to improve the manners and edu-cation of her students. Despite her well-intentioned efforts, her interference with local customs led to resistance from the community, eventually causing her departure.

Molly

Molly was an aging house servant at the Clyde ranch, fearful of being replaced and protective of her position. Despite her animosity, Jane's perseverance led to Molly's eventual departure. Molly's fate served as a reminder of the insecurities and challenges faced by those in precarious positions.

Old Man

The Old Man, a sympathetic figure Jane and Ned encountered early in their journey, provided them with food and guidance. His attempts to dissuade them from their arduous journey high-lighted the difficult realities faced by those seeking freedom and a better life.

Unc Isom

Unc Isom, adviser to the slaves on the plantation, urged caution in the face of newfound free-dom. Though rumored to have been a witch doctor, his age and wisdom lent credibility to his advice, even as younger generations chose to pursue their own paths northward.