Character Analysis
William
William does everything in his power to help Linda and her children. He is always there to support and comfort her. It is William who watches over Ben and Ellen when they are thrown into jail, and it is William who encourages Linda to escape. After William escapes from Mr. Sands, he remains in contact with Linda to let her know that he is safe, and when she herself escapes, he is there to look out for her and her family. When he is disappointed in his entrepreneurial venture to open a bookstore and reading room, William rebounds and continues his work with the abolitionists. Like his grandmother, he refuses to succumb to the negative elements of his environment.