Oroonoko characters

Also known as Caesar

Appears from the start

A prince and celebrated young commander from Coramantien, admired for his courage, education, courtesy, and sense of honor. He falls in love with Imoinda, but his grandfather the king also desires her. After he is treacherously sold into Atlantic slavery, his captors rename him Caesar.

Also known as Clemene

Appears from the start

The beautiful daughter of a dead general, loved by Oroonoko and loyal to him. The elderly king summons her into his secluded household despite her bond with the prince. Enslaved in Surinam under the name Clemene, she remains resolute and devoted.

Appears from the start

The unnamed Englishwoman who narrates the history. Living for a time in the colony of Surinam, she says she knew Oroonoko and presents herself as an admiring witness to parts of his captivity while reconstructing his earlier life from accounts.

Appears from the start

Oroonoko's elderly grandfather and ruler in Coramantien. He values his grandson as an heir and warrior, but exercises absolute authority over his court and claims Imoinda for himself after learning of her beauty.

Appears from the start

Oroonoko's friend and trusted companion in Coramantien. He helps the prince arrange a secret meeting with Imoinda by distracting one of the king's senior women.

Appears from the start

An older woman in the king's household who sympathizes with the young lovers. Her attraction to Aboan makes her willing to help him and Oroonoko enter the secluded quarters where Imoinda is kept.

Appears from the start

The English sea captain whose ship trades on the African coast. He invites Oroonoko and his companions aboard as honored guests, then violates his assurances and has them seized for sale as slaves.

Appears from the start

The overseer who purchases Oroonoko in Surinam. He recognizes the prince's exceptional bearing, treats him with unusual respect, and brings him to the plantation at Parham House.

Appears from the start

A deputy governor and leading colonial official in Surinam. He repeatedly promises that Oroonoko and his family will be freed, but delays action and later uses assurances of fair treatment to end the enslaved people's resistance.

Appears from the start

An enslaved man who supports Oroonoko when he organizes a collective flight from the plantations. He remains one of the prince's principal allies after many others lose their resolve.

Appears from the start

A brutal colonial subordinate entrusted with carrying out the authorities' final punishment of Oroonoko. He represents the violence that follows the officials' broken promises.