Hope Leslie

Hope Leslie is often referred to as “our heroine” throughout the novel (71). Hope is renamed so after arriving in Boston as 10-year-old Alice Leslie, the daughter of Alice Leslie, Mr. Fletcher’s first love. Having stayed with Mr. Fletcher in Boston, Hope is spared from the attack on Bethel. She grows up being doted upon as the only child under the care of Mr. Fletcher, Mrs. Grafton, Master Cradock, Digby, and Jennet. At age 17, Hope is a beautiful and joyous young woman with strong, complicated opinions, self-confidence, and a wealthy lineage back in England.

Hope’s first rebellious act is asking Nelema to cure Master Cradock’s snake bite and subsequently freeing her from prison. In response, Mr. Fletcher is persuaded to send her to Governor Winthrop’s mansion in Boston to instill obedience. There, Hope befriends Esther Downing. She is also found by Magawisca, who plans...