Dessa

Dessa is the main character of the novel. Though the author does not write the narrative entirely from her first person point of view, her story dictates its structure and progression.

Born into slavery, Dessa has only ever known a life of oppression and abuse. After she falls in love with a young man and fellow slave, Kaine, Dessa begins to imagine possibilities for a future outside of their enslavement. When she becomes pregnant with Kaine's child, the two start planning their escape North. Their master kills Kaine, however, not long after, eliminating all of Dessa's hopes for a new life. She is then sold to a new master, Wilson. While in a coffle, she meets and establishes a relationship with Nathan and Cully. The three stage an insurrection and escape. During the revolt, Dessa, although only 18-years-old, slight of stature, and pregnant, proves her fierceness, bravery, and...