Mother of Clotel and Althesa, Currer is a mulatto woman who works as a housekeeper and defies laws to educate her daughters, hoping for a better future for them.

The younger daughter of Currer, Althesa is purchased by a northern man, whom she marries, and seeks to reunite with her separated family.

A Christian slave owner and pastor living in Mississippi, Mr. Peck uses biblical justifications to defend slavery and struggles with his daughter Georgiana's abolitionist tendencies.

A wealthy young man who falls in love with Clotel and initially buys her, Horatio struggles with societal pressures and personal weakness.

The abolitionist daughter of Mr. Peck, Georgiana is educated in the North and challenges her father's pro-slavery beliefs through her actions and influence.

Initially a skeptic of religion, Carlton becomes influenced by Georgiana to embrace Christianity and opposes slavery, ultimately contributing to the freedom of slaves.

A doctor from Vermont who marries Althesa, Henry is an abolitionist who never owns slaves and seeks to protect his family from the bonds of slavery.

The beautiful daughter of Clotel and Horatio, Mary navigates the complexities of her heritage and relationships as she seeks freedom.