Sheriff Campbell

Sheriff Campbell is the central character of the story. He is a man of high social status and wealth, and is well-respected within his community. Driven by a strong sense of duty, he protects the prisoner from the mob, even at the risk of his own life. Despite believing in Tom’s innocence, he refuses to let him escape. Through the dialogue between the sheriff and the prisoner—who are father and son—the reader gains deeper insights into the sheriff’s background and personality. It is revealed that the sheriff is passionate and stubborn. While he appears morally upright in defending the prisoner, his past actions, such as selling his son and the boy’s black mother instead of securing their freedom, seem unacceptable and shocking. This neglect has directly influenced the son’s troubled life. On the other hand, the sheriff has also raised a daughter who is loyal, brave, and self-reliant. Thus, his children highlight the contrasting aspects of his character.

Polly

Polly is the sheriff’s white daughter. She is brave and self-reliant, as demonstrated by her actions in saving her father’s life.

Tom

Tom is the sheriff’s illegitimate mulatto son. He immediately recognizes his father, although his father does not recognize him. Tom has lived a squandered life; despite his intelligence, he suffers from the lack of opportunities provided by the white society. He is worldly-wise, understanding that although he did not kill the captain, he will almost certainly be found guilty. In many ways, Tom serves as the voice of reason, recognizing that he owes nothing to his father, who was never a real father to him. Tom’s suicide at the story’s end signifies his realization that he has lost whatever minimal control he ever had over his life.