Rutherford is a twenty-four-year-old ex-slave from Illinois who has settled into a life of petty theft in New Orleans. Fleeing a forced marriage and dangerous debts, he impulsively stows away on a ship, only to realize he has boarded an illegal slaver bound for Africa. He possesses a sharp, cynical intellect but struggles with a lack of direction and a deep resistance to taking responsibility for others.

Ebenezer Falcon is the notoriously ruthless captain of the *Republic*. Despite his remarkably small physical stature, he is a highly educated and deeply intimidating expansionist. A former privateer, he views the world strictly in terms of dominance and submission, maintaining a reputation for extracting wealth and antiquities from every culture he encounters.

Ngonyama is a young member of the Allmuseri ruling family who is captured and placed in the miserable hold of the *Republic*. He quickly establishes a quiet, dignified presence on the ship. By learning some English from Rutherford, he becomes a crucial intermediary between the captive tribesmen and the crew.

Peter Cringle is the first mate of the *Republic*, an educated New Englander whose refined diction earns him the mockery of the common sailors. Despite his rank, he harbors deep misgivings about the voyage, the structural integrity of the ship, and Captain Falcon's brutal methods. He attempts to act as a mitigating, moral presence among a violent crew.

Isadora is a prim, frugal, and devoutly Christian schoolteacher from a family of free Northern blacks. Living in New Orleans, she feels entirely out of place amid the city's excess and dedicates herself to caring for stray animals. She attempts to force Rutherford into settling down by offering to pay off his severe underworld debts in exchange for marriage.

Papa Zeringue is a powerful Black Creole crime boss who operates a vast underworld network in New Orleans. Outwardly projecting the image of a respectable businessman who funds civic projects, he uses severe intimidation to maintain his grip on his debtors. His threats serve as the primary catalyst for Rutherford's desperate flight to sea.

Squibb is the elderly, heavily alcoholic ship's cook on the *Republic*. His primary coping mechanism for the horrors he has witnessed during his years at sea is staying perpetually drunk. Despite his rough exterior and poor habits, he provides Rutherford with vital information about the workings of the ship.

Santos is a massive, imposing man who works as the primary enforcer and bouncer for Papa Zeringue in New Orleans. He uses the threat of immediate physical violence to ensure that Papa's debtors pay up or face severe consequences.

Diamelo is a member of the Allmuseri tribe who was considered a menial laborer and a drunkard back in his homeland. Aboard the ship, the extreme trauma causes him to adopt an aggressive, culturally militant stance, positioning himself as a rival to the traditional tribal leadership.

Jackson is Rutherford's older brother, who represents everything Rutherford actively rebels against. He completely absorbed the teachings and values of their former master, becoming a model of Christian charity and respectability. His decision to give away their inheritance fundamentally broke his relationship with Rutherford.

Riley is the father of Rutherford and Jackson. Known as a charismatic, rule-breaking man who refused to abide by the morality imposed upon him by slave owners, he eventually abandoned his family to escape to freedom, a decision that left a lasting psychological scar on his youngest son.

Baleka is a young Allmuseri girl taken captive on the ship. When she complains about the rotting food, her mother pushes her toward Rutherford, effectively making him responsible for sharing his meager rations and looking after her during the grueling voyage.

Peleg is a minister and the former owner of Rutherford and Jackson. Unlike typical slaveholders, he provided the brothers with an extensive classical education and asked Jackson how his estate should be divided before he died.

Tommy is a young cabin boy working aboard the *Republic*. He suffers severely during the voyage, particularly after being assigned the incredibly dangerous task of feeding the mysterious cargo housed deep within the ship's hold.

Nathaniel is a common sailor on the *Republic* who carries a dark reputation, as he is rumored to have murdered an entire family with an ax in England. He engages in deeply unsettling behavior on deck, such as specifically training the ship's dogs to attack certain individuals.