Our Nig: Sketches from the Life of a Free Black

The chief protagonist of the autobiographical novel, Frado is a fictionalized representation of author Harriet E. Wilson herself. Just as Wilson experienced in her own life, Frado, also known as the racialized derogatory name “Nig” by the Bellmonts, endures the abandonment of a white mother, weathers the cruel treatment by a white family, and finds success through an enterprising spirit. In the autobiographical novel’s introduction of Frado, her reputation precedes a first encounter. Described by mother Mag Smith and her partner Seth as “pretty” and likely to be considered “a prize somewhere” (11), Frado is selected as the child to leave behind so that the family can survive on limited resources. Frado’s light complexion gives Mag and Seth assurance that she may survive abandonment despite her black and mixed-race identity. Additionally, the young girl possesses “an exuberance of spirit almost beyond restraint” (11) that signals the possession of strength of will and body at an early age. These are the factors that eventually convince Mag and Seth to abandon Frado with faith that she might have a chance at survival.

Frado’s strength is repeatedly noted throughout her trials, as she endures countless punishments and abuses at the hands of Mrs.