Handful
Handful was so-called because when she was born she was small enough to fit in the palm of her mother's hands. However she is aptly named because she is a handful in her behavior and outlook as well. She is a hard working and feisty young woman who is enslaved with little hope of freedom. This is something she can bear whilst she is with her mother because as long as they are together, she is where she would rather be. However after Charlotte's escape she also needs to escape her situation. Handful is pragmatic and courageous, following through with what she believes with action, joining Denmark in his rebellion, though at the same time she is clever enough to stay somewhat under the radar. She endures intolerable indignities because she believes in the power of a dream - not just hers but also Sarah's, keeping the silver button for her to remind her to follow her dreams.
Sarah Grimke
Sarah is a hero and represents all of the real-life historical figures who courageously went against the crowd and changed the course of history. She is a square peg in a round hole, disliking almost everything that her mother stands for. She does not respect her mother but turns out to have become much like her father in attitude and beliefs. She is dedicated and puts the good of others ahead of herself, turning down a proposal of marriage from a man she lives in favor of continuing her anti-slavery mission. She is also a vocal advocate of rights for women.
Charlotte
Charlotte is Handful's mother and has a rebellious streak that she instilled in her child. She endures a lot and puts much of herself into the making of a quilt that turns out to be not only a beautiful piece of work but also a secret place to hide her money so that she can save up to buy freedom for Handful and herself. Charlotte escaped to stay out of prison but this has a devastations effect on Handful. When she returns the two are still tightly bonded as of she never left. Charlotte does enslaved.
Mary Grimke
Mary is Sarah's mother and both Charlotte and Handful's owner. She relishes this role and is pro-slavery, treating her slaves brutally and abusively. She is not particularly nice to her daughters either and does not respect the women they have become.
John Grimke
Outwardly a strict slave master, John admits that he is anti-slavery and in agreement with his daughter. This dis-ease within himself becomes actual disease and John literally gives up, dying at a private resort in New Jersey.
Nina Grimke
Rebellious Nina is like her sister. She is also Sarah's godchild. She is strong willed and a great speaker with the confidence that comes from knowing she is in the right. She marries another abolitionist and remains living up north.
Israel Morris
Israel has an enormous effect on Sarah and is instrumental in her discovery of Quakerism. He encourages her to read and learn and support the anti-slavery movement. He loves Sarah and only asked her to leave because he is pressured to not subsequently proposes marriage out of the blue when she is touring the north speaking about abolition. He is a good and peaceful man who is pivotal to the story.
Denmark Vesey
Denmark is as pivotal to Handful's life as Israel is to Sarah's. At first he seems condescending but he is actually a great exponent of empowerment. Unfortunately he does not always think about the effect that participation in a revolt can have on those who are still enslaved. He believes his freedom is more all-encompassing than it actually is and he is put to death for organizing the slave revolt.
