A wealthy plantation owner on the Wye River in Maryland, overseeing a large and fertile estate where Douglass spent part of his early life.

Douglass's first enslaver, who managed Colonel Lloyd’s plantation and was responsible for overseeing various operations, including the distribution of food to enslaved people.

An overseer on Colonel Lloyd’s plantation known for his cruelty and strict enforcement of discipline, prioritizing control over the enslaved people.

The daughter of Captain Anthony and wife of Thomas Auld, who took some pity on Douglass and, after inheriting him from her father, sent him back to Baltimore.

An enslaved cook on Colonel Lloyd’s plantation, known for her harshness towards Douglass and her role in the distribution of food to the young enslaved people.

The Baltimore shipbuilder who assumed responsibility for Douglass after he was sent there by Lucretia, and whose household plays a pivotal part in Douglass's early education and eventual determination to seek freedom.

The husband of Lucretia Auld, who became Douglass's legal enslaver and participated in the periodic relocation of Douglass between households.

The wife of Hugh Auld, who initially treated Douglass kindly and began teaching him to read, which marked a significant turning point in his life.

A farm renter known for his harsh methods to break the will of enslaved individuals, to whom Douglass was sent by Thomas Auld for discipline and labor.