Compare and contrast Mr. Severe and Mr. Hopkins. What makes a “good” overseer? Narrative of Fredrick Douglass

Mr. Severe was the overseer at the Great House Farm. Douglass describes him as cruel, conscienceless, and profane. After Severe's death, Colonel Lloyd hired Mr. Hopkins as his replacement. Hopkins was generally liked by the slaves and considered a far different man than his predecessor.

Mr. Severe's place was filled by a Mr. Hopkins. He was a very different man. He was less cruel, less profane, and made less noise, than Mr. Severe. His course was characterized by no extraordinary demonstrations of cruelty. He whipped, but seemed to take no pleasure in it. He was called by the slaves a good overseer.

As for the second part of your question, do you mean a "good" overseer in the eyes of the slaves? Or the masters?