A childhood friend of Eliza from Antigua, Ben is an enslaved man with extensive knowledge about indigo, which he uses to negotiate his manumission. He plays a key role in assisting Eliza with her indigo crops.

A secondary character and Eliza’s greatest ally, Charles is a plantation owner and lawyer who develops a deep friendship and romantic interest with Eliza over time.

Eliza’s father, who entrusts her with managing his South Carolina plantations while pursuing a political career in Antigua. He supports her endeavors but also succumbs to societal pressures regarding marriage.

Eliza’s mother, who acts as an antagonist by plotting against her daughter’s indigo ambitions, pushing her toward marriage, and ultimately seeking their return to Antigua.

Eliza’s elder brother, whose claim to their father’s estate overshadows her efforts and impacts her decisions, though he mainly remains absent from the narrative.

Eliza’s younger sister, who looks up to her as a mother figure and is often considered a "chatterbox" due to her inquisitive nature.

An enslaved worker on the Lucas plantations, he is Eliza’s driver and carpenter, supportive of her ambitions, and protective of the Lucas women.

Eliza’s maid and a mother figure who speaks French patois and uses her beliefs in magic to caution Eliza against potential dangers.

An enslaved woman entangled in an abusive situation, antagonistic toward Eliza, and becomes romantically involved with Ben. She plays a complex role within the plantation dynamics.

The overseer of the Lucas plantation, who is known for his abusive nature toward enslaved individuals and has no respect for Eliza’s authority.

An indigo maker and consultant engaged by Eliza’s father, he tries to undermine Eliza’s projects while aligning with her mother to sabotage her efforts.

A wealthy merchant with intentions to secure a marriage alliance with Eliza, he exhibits a pompous and cruel demeanor during his interactions with her.

The wife of Charles Pinckney, who supports Eliza’s ambitions and hosts her family. She shows understanding toward Eliza’s relationship with Charles.

The niece of Mrs. Pinckney, she becomes friends with Eliza and facilitates communication between Eliza and Charles through correspondence.

One of Eliza’s few friends, who informs her of John Laurens’s marriage scheme and encourages her indigo aspirations, despite her own prejudices.

A neighboring horticulturist who provides Eliza with indigo seeds and offers advice on her initial crop experiments.