Henry is a twelve-year-old slave whose chance encounter with a militant abolitionist dramatically alters his life. Swept up in an armed crusade, Henry is mistaken for a girl and adopts the disguise of a young woman to survive. He is a pragmatic observer who remains skeptical of the religious fervor around him. He constantly worries about his survival and struggles with his emerging identity as he comes of age.

John Brown is an infamous, fiercely militant abolitionist and religious zealot. He commands a ragtag army and operates under the absolute belief that God has ordained him to destroy the institution of slavery by any means necessary. Despite his chaotic methods and shabby appearance, he acts with absolute conviction and draws intense loyalty from his followers.

An eminent, well-known voice for the African American community, Douglass lives in a finely appointed home with his two wives. He prefers to combat slavery through powerful oratory and influence rather than violent combat. His refined lifestyle contrasts sharply with Brown's rugged approach to abolition.

Henry's father is a slave owned by Dutch Henry who works as a barber to earn extra money. He is a committed Christian preacher who passes his strong religious fervor onto those around him.

A tavern owner and slave master who claims ownership over Henry and his father. He is aggressively pro-slavery and quickly resorts to violence when confronting suspected abolitionists.

One of John Brown's sons, Fred is a loyal but somewhat simple-minded soldier in his father's army. He takes an immediate liking to Henry, teaching him outdoor survival skills and keeping the secret of Henry's true gender.

Another of John Brown's sons, Owen is a dedicated member of the abolitionist army. He helps instruct Henry in reading and tracking, serving as a reliable soldier during their campaigns across the country.

A black wagon driver who crosses paths with Henry on the road. Bob initially views John Brown as a hero and hopes to secure passage to the North, but he soon realizes that riding with a militant abolitionist army involves far more danger than he bargained for.

A beautiful mixed-race woman working as a prostitute in Pikesville. She uses her physical appeal and sharp wits to secure favorable treatment for herself, manipulating the men around her while actively avoiding the harsh realities faced by the slaves in the nearby pens.

An imprisoned slave who actively plans a violent insurrection against the white families in Pikesville. She possesses a fearsome, uncompromising courage and serves as a powerful example of principled bravery for Henry.

A large, physically intimidating colored man tasked with keeping order among the other slaves in Pikesville. He leverages his favored position to abuse his peers and enjoys the small amount of power granted to him by the white masters.

A physically intimidating slave held in the Pikesville pen. He exhibits an uncompromising dedication to his fellow captives and openly defies the authority of those who oppress them.

A legendary conductor of the Underground Railroad. She is a quiet, methodical, and intensely committed abolitionist who provides practical advice to Henry and promises to supply fighters for Brown's cause.

A key operative in the Underground Railroad near Harpers Ferry, sometimes referred to as the Blacksmith. He coordinates communications via illegal numbers games and attempts to organize local fighters for Brown's raid.

Annie is John Brown's sixteen-year-old daughter. She offers Bible lessons to Henry, completely unaware of his true gender. Her genuine kindness, warmth, and easy companionship force Henry to deeply reconsider his reliance on deception.

A boastful, talkative member of John Brown's army. His tendency to brag and flirt makes him a severe liability during espionage missions, requiring Henry to manage his behavior and limit the spread of sensitive information.

A black man referred to by Douglass as "Emperor." Despite Douglass's refusal to join Brown's military raid, Emperor decides to align himself with the militant abolitionists and offers crucial assistance to Henry during moments of crisis.