Uncle Tom's Cabin: Young Folks Edition characters

Also known as Uncle Tom

Appears from the start

An enslaved man on the Shelby farm in Kentucky, trusted by the family and respected within the enslaved community for his steadiness and Christian faith. When Mr. Shelby sells him to settle debts, Tom refuses an opportunity to flee because he fears the consequences for everyone else on the estate.

Appears from the start

An enslaved young mother in the Shelby household and the wife of George Harris. After learning that her small son has been sold, she decides to escape immediately rather than allow a slave trader to take him away.

Appears from the start

Eliza's young son, whose appearance attracts the attention of the slave trader Haley. His sale alongside Tom drives Eliza to flee the Shelby estate with him in her arms.

Appears from the start

The Kentucky landowner who has long treated Tom as a trusted servant but agrees to sell him and Harry to cover financial obligations. He regrets the bargain while still accepting the system that gives him power over their lives.

Appears from the start

Arthur Shelby's wife, who opposes the sale of Tom and Harry and recognizes the promises the family owes them. She tries to delay the trader's pursuit and remains concerned for the people her husband has placed in danger.

Appears from the start

A slave trader who acquires Tom and little Harry from Mr. Shelby. Treating people as market goods, he pursues Eliza when she escapes and transports Tom south for resale.

First appears in chapter 2

Eliza's husband, an enslaved man living apart from her under a different owner. Intelligent and mechanically gifted, he has been deliberately humiliated despite his abilities and resolves to seek freedom so that his family can live together safely.

Also known as Eva

First appears in chapter 3

The young daughter of Augustine St. Clare, whom Tom meets during the journey south. Openly affectionate and troubled by the suffering slavery causes, she forms an immediate bond with Tom after he saves her from drowning.

First appears in chapter 3

Eva's wealthy father, a charming and thoughtful New Orleans plantation owner who buys Tom at his daughter's request. He recognizes many of slavery's moral failures but has not translated his doubts into decisive action.

First appears in chapter 4

Augustine St. Clare's practical cousin from New England, who comes to help manage his household. She condemns slavery in principle but is forced to confront the limits of her sympathy when St. Clare places the neglected child Topsy in her care.

First appears in chapter 6

An enslaved girl brought into the St. Clare household after years of neglect and abuse. Mischievous, defensive, and convinced that nobody can love her, she is assigned to Miss Ophelia but responds most deeply to Eva's kindness.

First appears in chapter 8

The brutal owner of a remote Louisiana cotton plantation who purchases Tom. He demands complete submission, encourages violence among the people he enslaves, and treats Tom's faith and compassion as defiance to be broken.

First appears in chapter 9

An enslaved woman on Legree's plantation who has survived years of exploitation and understands both his fears and his cruelty. She tends Tom after a beating and begins planning a way to escape with Emmeline.

First appears in chapter 9

A young enslaved woman purchased by Legree and taken to his plantation with Tom. Frightened by the threat he poses to her, she joins Cassy in seeking a route out of his control.

Appears from the start

The young son of Arthur and Emily Shelby, who has known Tom since childhood and treats him with affection. He is distressed by the sale that will separate Tom from the Shelby household.