An enslaved Black man serving as a preacher to his fellow slaves. He uses biblical stories, specifically the Book of Exodus, to subtly communicate a message of hope and liberation. Highly intelligent and cautious, he frequently pauses his sermon to offer disclaimers to protect himself and his listeners from overseers who might punish them for seditious ideas.

The omnipotent divine creator who sides with the oppressed. He grows tired of Pharaoh's cruelty and sends Moses to demand the release of the Hebrew slaves. The Preacher characterizes Him as the true, gracious Master who will eventually execute justice and grant freedom to all His children.

The biblical messenger chosen by God to liberate the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. In the context of the sermon, he represents a promised savior figure who will soon arrive with a trumpet blast to deliver the enslaved Black people from their current bondage.

The biblical ruler of Egypt who enslaved the Hebrew children and forced them to work in his corn fields. The Preacher uses Pharaoh as a direct parallel for contemporary slave owners, illustrating how earthly tyrants are ultimately powerless against divine wrath.

The earthly captors of the Preacher and the Congregation. They use physical force, chains, and self-serving interpretations of scripture to maintain control over enslaved people. The Preacher constantly censors his true message out of fear that spies might report his words back to these oppressors.

A group of enslaved Black people gathered together for a religious service. They endure severe distress and the daily horrors of slavery. They serve as the Preacher's "brothahs" and "fellah christuns," finding solace and communal identity in the biblical narrative of Israel's liberation.