Characters
Elvira (Vyry) Dutton
Elvira (Vyry) Dutton, the protagonist of Jubilee and based on the author’s great-grandmother, is a complex figure whose life is a testament to resilience. As the daughter of a white plantation owner and a black slave, Vyry is born into a position of both privilege and adversity. Her light skin and sandy hair, inherited from her father, John Morris Dutton, allow her to pass as white, but also mark her for cruelty at the hands of Salina, her father's white wife. Vyry's moral compass and deep sense of forgiveness define her character, earning her a place of respect within both the Black and white communities she navigates.
From a young age, Vyry is thrust into the harsh realities of plantation life, losing her mother at two and enduring beatings from Salina. Despite these challenges, she embodies compassion and strength, showing forgiveness and kindness even to those who wrong her. Vyry's spiritual fortitude is often highlighted as an anchor in her life, guiding her through trials such as floods, sickness, poverty, and persecution as she searches for a place she can call home. Her sense of loyalty remains unwavering, staying behind to care for Lillian Dutton post-emancipation, and teaching her children the values of education and hard work.
Vyry's two marriages reflect different facets of her life's journey. Her first husband, Randall Ware, is a free black man whose love for her is marked by the challenges of slavery. Forced apart by societal constraints, Vyry remains true to him until she marries Innis Brown after the Civil War. With Innis, she builds a life despite their differing views on education. Vyry's character is shaped by her ability to surmount adversity with grace and strength, embodying the resilience and courage of her community.
Randall Ware
Randall Ware, a free black man and blacksmith, plays a crucial role in Vyry's life as her first husband. His muscular build and coal-black skin denote his physical presence, while his educated background and ownership of property highlight his defiance of societal norms. As a free man, Ware is unaccustomed to the subservience expected of slaves, and his character is often defined by a pragmatic approach to life's challenges.
Ware's relationship with Vyry is marked by societal barriers that prevent them from marrying legally, forcing them to "jump the broom." His life is characterized by a constant struggle against the prejudices of his era, culminating in his forced departure due to Ku Klux Klan threats after the Civil War. Despite these challenges, Ware's belief in education as a means of empowerment remains a central theme in his life, symbolizing hope for future generations.
Innis Brown
Innis Brown, Vyry’s second husband, is a former field hand whose life is emblematic of the working-class struggle. Described as a "high brown" man freed by the Union army, Innis embodies both the hardships and the hopes of post-emancipation America. His commitment to Vyry is unwavering as he rescues her from attackers and later marries her, seeking to build a life together in Alabama.
Innis is characterized by his kind heart and hardworking nature, although he initially lacks Vyry's appreciation for education. His skepticism of education reflects a practical concern for immediate survival and labor needs. Despite this, Innis is eventually swayed by Vyry's arguments and supports her educational aspirations for their children. His relationship with Vyry is one of mutual respect and resilience, forming the backbone of their shared journey toward stability and security.
John Morris Dutton
John Morris Dutton, Vyry’s father, is the white plantation owner whose actions exert a profound influence on the lives of those...
(This entire section contains 1123 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
around him. Tall, blond, and politically ambitious, John represents the ideals of the Old South's gentry. Despite this, his moral failing lies in his refusal to acknowledge his children born of slaves, including Vyry, and his inability to free her despite his promises.
John’s life is marked by a pursuit of power and influence, yet he remains largely indifferent to the personal welfare of his slaves. This disconnect between his public ambitions and private responsibilities defines his character. His life ends tragically after a carriage accident, refusing amputation, which encapsulates his stubbornness and pride.
Salina “Big Missy” Dutton
Salina “Big Missy” Dutton, John Morris Dutton's wife, is a formidable figure who exerts strict control over the plantation in her husband's political absence. Her disdain for Vyry stems from jealousy and embarrassment over her husband's children with slave women. This animosity manifests in cruelty and punishment, especially towards Vyry.
Despite her harshness, Salina demonstrates a stoic commitment to her ideals, investing her resources in the Confederate cause during the Civil War. Her strength is both her defining trait and her downfall, as she suffers a fatal stroke amid the chaos of war, symbolizing the collapse of the Old South she embodies.
Lillian Dutton
Lillian Dutton, the daughter of Salina and John, represents the genteel Southern belle. Her physical resemblance to Vyry underscores the complexities of race and identity on the plantation. Lillian's life is a mirror of the societal expectations placed on women of her status, characterized by beauty, social grace, and eventual tragedy.
During the war, Lillian's life is upended by loss and trauma, leading to her mental decline. The war's impact on Lillian illustrates the fragility of the Southern aristocracy's way of life, as well as the personal toll of conflict. Her life serves as a cautionary tale of the rigid social structures of the time.
Johnny Dutton
Johnny Dutton, the son of John and Salina, embodies the spirit of youthful ambition and the longing for adventure. His aspirations to attend West Point and become an officer highlight his desire to honor his family's legacy while pursuing personal glory.
Johnny's life is cut short by the brutal realities of war, symbolizing the loss of a generation's potential. His death, brought about by a wound inflicted by a Union soldier, marks the end of an era for the Dutton family and exemplifies the senseless destruction of war.
Ed Grimes
Ed Grimes serves as the overseer on the Dutton plantation, a role that situates him at the intersection of power and prejudice. His red hair and stocky build, along with his quick temper, paint the picture of a man shaped by bitterness and social inferiority. Grimes's approach to his duties is marked by brutality, which he justifies as necessary for maintaining order.
After the war, Grimes's alignment with the Ku Klux Klan underscores his deep-seated resentment and ambition. His attempts to seize the Dutton property fail, yet his rise to the position of banker reflects the shifting social dynamics of the Reconstruction era. Grimes's character illustrates the enduring legacy of prejudice and the societal changes wrought by the Civil War.
