Pierce Butler is a white slave owner burdened by gambling debts, leading him to sell his slaves and break families apart. He struggles with taking responsibility for his actions and deteriorates in the eyes of his family.

Will is Emma's father and a lifelong slave on the Butler plantation who is critical of Pierce Butler's actions. Despite his close relationship with Pierce, he deeply resents the constraints and injustices of slavery.

Mattie is Emma's mother who shares a close connection with the Butler family, having grown up alongside Pierce Butler. She is associated with intense emotions and reactions after Emma is sold, reflecting the emotional toll of slavery.

Sarah Butler is the daughter of Pierce Butler and is deeply influenced by her abolitionist mother, Fanny Kemble. She maintains a strong bond with Emma and struggles with her father's decisions regarding slavery.

Joe is another slave from the Butler plantation who is sold to Mistress Henfield alongside Emma. He is characterized by his suspicion of white people and seeks freedom, ultimately becoming a symbol of resistance to slavery.

Sampson is a slave on the Henfield plantation, known to be the father of Charles. He initially appears complicit in his enslavement due to past trauma but ultimately shows resilience by not betraying his son's escape.