Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass · Character
Cousin Tom
A young relative of the Auld family.
minor
Also known as Cousin Tom, Thomas, Little Thomas, little Thomas
First appearance: Chapter V
Cousin Tom's tie to Edward Covey is one of the pressures that moves Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Inspires Douglass's desire to see Baltimore through his eloquent descriptions of the city.
Cousin Tom first appears in 0007 v.
With Edward Covey (professional): Cousin Tom works as Covey's slave and often participates in or witnesses Covey's abuse of Douglass. With Captain Thomas Auld (family): Captain Thomas Auld is Cousin Tom's master and relative, treating him with the same cruelty as other slaves.
In Chapter V: Inspires Douglass's desire to see Baltimore through his eloquent descriptions of the city.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
10 connectionsA slice of how Cousin Tom sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Family
- Other
Character groups
- Key Figures in Douglass's Life
- Protagonist
- Cruel Overseers and Masters
- Supportive Figures and Friends
+5 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it captures the emotional and psychological peak of Douglass’s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Edward Covey
professional · negative
Cousin Tom works as Covey's slave and often participates in or witnesses Covey's abuse of… How this plays out →
- Captain Thomas Auld
family · negative
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Cousin Tom in Chapter VIn the story
Cousin Tom appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Cousin Tom unlock in the free preview.
See Cousin Tom in Chapter V