# Linda — Iola Leroy character guide

> Linda in Iola Leroy by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Aunt Linda, Lindy, Aunt Lindy

**First appearance:** 0005-iii-uncle-daniel-s-story

## Snapshot

Elderly freedwoman whose long memory and fierce tenderness turn a scattered generation of survivors into something like a family again.

## Who they are

Aunt Linda moves through the novel's Black community as a keeper of stories, prayers, and the hard-won knowledge of bondage. Her hunger to see her scattered people gathered makes her cling to Iola with a mother's intensity, and her faith steadies younger characters when reunion seems impossible. She matters because her stubborn hope quietly underwrites the book's central search for kin.

## In the story

### [Mystery of Market Speech and Prayer-Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/i-mystery-of-market-speech-and-prayer-meeting)

The cook who interprets her mistress's mood as a sign of Confederate fortunes; she organizes secret prayer meetings and believes in a vision of freedom.

### [II: Contraband of War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/ii-contraband-of-war)

Mentioned in the opening of the chapter as having a prior conversation with Robert.

### [XVIII: Searching for Lost Ones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/xviii-searching-for-lost-ones)

Now living on her own land in the freedmen's settlement; cheerful and prosperous; recounts her journey from slavery to land ownership.

### [XIX: Striking Contrasts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/xix-striking-contrasts)

Hosts the supper; proud of her freedom and cooking; reveals her marriage to Salters and history of separation.

### [A Revelation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/xx-a-revelation)

Aunt Linda accompanies Robert and Iola, provides local color and commentary, and facilitates the reunion.

### [A Home for Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se/chapters/xxi-a-home-for-mother)

Hosts Robert and his mother, provides a bountiful luncheon, and reminisces about old times.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se/characters/linda
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/iola_leroy_se/characters