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Clotel · Character

Mrs. French

Woman who helps slaves escape via the Underground Railroad.

minor

Also known as Mr. James French, Mr. French, Jim

First appearance: XIX: Escape of Clotel

Mrs. French shows up with force in XV: Today a Mistress, Tomorrow a Slave. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Cruel mistress in Vicksburg; orders Clotel to cut her hair and treats her harshly.
In the storyXV: Today a Mistress, Tomorrow a SlaveOpen this moment free

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In XV: Today a Mistress, Tomorrow a Slave: Cruel mistress in Vicksburg; orders Clotel to cut her hair and treats her harshly. Later, in XIX: Escape of Clotel: Mr. French is Clotel's new master in Vicksburg, who tries…

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See Mrs. French in XIX: Escape of Clotel

Character Web

4 connections

A slice of how Mrs. French sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

GCGeorgiana Carl…CLClotelMCMr. CarltonSASamMFMrs. French

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Diverse supporting characters
  • Abolitionist allies
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point

In this conclusion, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as the narrator shifts from personal testimony…

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In the story

Mrs. French appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. French in XIX: Escape of Clotel
Who is Mrs. French in Clotel?