Amari is a fifteen-year-old girl from the Ewe people in Ziavi, Ghana. She maintains a deep love for her family and her community's traditions. Following a brutal raid by strangers, she is captured and forced into the transatlantic slave trade. She must draw upon deep internal reserves to endure unimaginable suffering. The transition from a free, joyous existence to brutal captivity challenges her worldview, but the wisdom imparted by older women helps her maintain a flicker of hope.

Polly is a young orphaned white girl working as an indentured servant to pay off her deceased parents' debts. Slated to work for the wealthy Derby family for fourteen years, she initially harbors deep prejudices against Black people. Her proximity to the enslaved people at Derbyshire Farms forces her to confront her preconceived notions and the harsh realities of the plantation system. Learning the daily struggles of those she once dismissed gradually opens her eyes to their shared humanity.

Mr. Derby is the prosperous master of Derbyshire Farms. He views the people he enslaves strictly as property and utilizes brutal discipline to maintain absolute control over his estate. His strict nature extends to his own family, treating his young wife with condescension while indulging his son's worst impulses. He represents the systemic, remorseless machinery of chattel slavery, completely blinded by wealth and power.

Clay is Percival Derby's son from his first marriage. Raised in an environment of extreme privilege and cruelty, he views the enslaved people on his father's plantation as toys for his personal amusement. He frequently exercises his power in malicious ways while demanding obedience from his victims. He expects gratitude and submission, failing entirely to understand the terror he inflicts.

Isabelle is Percival Derby's second wife. Unlike her harsh husband and stepson, she possesses a gentle and compassionate demeanor toward the enslaved people on the plantation. Despite her social standing, she experiences her own form of captivity under her husband's intense dictatorial control. Her quiet rebellion takes the form of hidden affections and a deep, unspoken sorrow.

Teenie is the head cook at Derbyshire Farms and a central figure among the enslaved community. Having learned about her African heritage from her own mother, she acts as a stabilizing presence for the younger residents of the plantation. She possesses a vast knowledge of medicinal herbs and plantation dynamics. She uses this practical wisdom to shield the younger generation from the worst abuses of the masters whenever possible.

Tidbit is Teenie's young energetic son. He frequently shadows his mother around the kitchen and plantation grounds. He provides moments of innocence and levity in the harsh environment of the plantation, though his youth offers him no genuine protection from the cruel whims of the Derby men.

Besa is a talented young drummer from the Ziavi village. He is betrothed to Amari and deeply devoted to their shared culture. His life is shattered when strangers attack the village, leading him into harrowing captivity along with the rest of his people.

Kwasi is Amari's spirited younger brother. He is deeply cherished by Amari. His memory serves as a powerful anchor for her as she endures the trauma of captivity and separation from her homeland.

Afi is a resilient woman who takes Amari under her wing during the initial stages of their captivity. Having been enslaved before, she understands the brutal realities of their situation. She provides Amari with harsh truths alongside essential guidance for survival during the horrific sea crossing.

Noah is a composed and dignified enslaved man working in the Derby household. He acts as Isabelle Derby's personal attendant. He maintains a quiet and careful presence in the dangerous environment of the plantation house, navigating his restricted life with extreme caution.

Bill is a sailor working aboard the slave ship transporting captives to the Americas. During the brutal voyage, he shows Amari a rare moment of basic humanity by offering her water and teaching her a few English words. This brief interaction provides her with a vital tool for her future survival.

Cato is an older highly experienced enslaved man who works in the plantation's rice fields. He understands the harsh economics and deadly conditions of the plantation. He offers blunt warnings to newcomers about what it takes to survive in their oppressive environment.

Dr. Hoskins is a medical professional from Charles Town who attends to the Derby family. He maintains a polite exterior while conducting his business at the plantation. Privately, he harbors discomfort with the institution of slavery and the brutality he witnesses.

Kwadzo is a captive from Amari's region. During the brutal march to the coast, he questions the guards about their collaboration with the enslavers, demonstrating an early attempt to understand the incomprehensible betrayal of his people.

Tirza is one of the women shackled with Amari after the destruction of Ziavi. The sheer horror and exhaustion of the death march rapidly drains her will to continue living, illustrating the severe psychological toll of their captivity.

Hushpuppy is Tidbit's loyal dog on Derbyshire Farms. He follows the young boy everywhere and provides comfort in the harsh environment of the plantation, acting as a small source of joy for the enslaved community.

Lena is an enslaved woman working at Derbyshire Farms. She frequently shares news and observations about the plantation household with Teenie, forming part of the necessary communication network among the enslaved workers.

Sara Jane is an enslaved woman at Derbyshire Farms who has recently given birth. She provides a quiet presence within the enslaved community's network of mutual support and protection.