William Lloyd Garrison
A leading abolitionist in the North, and Douglass' patron. Garrison and his followers advocated the abolition of slavery on moral grounds but did not support armed resistance.
Wendell Phillips
Another leading figure in the abolitionist movement. After the Civil War, Phillips supported Douglass' position regarding the enfranchisement of freed slaves. The Phillips-Douglass alliance was in direct opposition to Garrison and his supporters, who advocated a slower pace of reform.
Harriet Bailey
Douglass' mother; little is known about her. Years after her death, Douglass learned that she was a literate slave. He was never able to determine, though, how a field hand had the opportunity to learn to read.
Captain Anthony
Douglass' first master and possibly his father. Captain Anthony was Colonel Lloyd's clerk and superintendent. His children were Andrew, Richard, and Lucretia.
Colonel Lloyd
Lloyd was reportedly the richest slave holder in Talbot County, Maryland. The Lloyd family had been in Maryland for over two hundred years, and many of its members were politicians and prominent people in Maryland society. Colonel Lloyd behaved almost like a feudal lord of the region.
Mr. Severe
A cruel and profane overseer; his early death was considered an act of divine providence by the slaves.
Mr. Gore
Another exceptionally cruel overseer; he had no qualms about executing a slave who disobeyed him.
