Linda Brent

Linda Brent is the pseudonym of Harriet Jacobs, who is the author and protagonist of the book. Through her narrative the reader is exposed to her happy childhood, her unhappy discovery of the realities of slavery, her suffering as a slave, and the process by which she frees herself and her children and establishes herself in the North. It is through her eyes that one can see all of the other characters in the story, people who range from selflessly heroic to horrifically cruel.

Linda reveals herself to be highly intelligent, perceptive, cunning, determined and brave—these qualities (along with a certain degree of luck) help her to maintain her dignity, protect her family, and eventually obtain her freedom when so many others have failed in these pursuits.

Linda is clearly a charismatic individual, for she inspires many to help her and her family at great...