Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass · Character

Mr. Hopkins

An overseer on Colonel Lloyd's plantation who is less cruel than Mr. Severe.

minor

Also known as a Mr. Hopkins, IV Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Hopkins

First appearance: iii

Mr. Hopkins's tie to Mr. Severe 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.

Mr. Hopkins first appears in 0005 iii.

With Mr. Severe (professional): Both are overseers on Colonel Lloyd's plantation, with Mr. Severe being notoriously cruel and Mr. Hopkins somewhat less harsh.

In II: Successor to Mr. Severe; a less cruel overseer who whipped without pleasure, called a 'good overseer' by slaves.

See Mr. Hopkins in iii Book page

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Character Web

4 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Cruel Overseers and Masters
Key Figures in Douglass's Life

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Narrative 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…

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Relationships

Mr. Severe
professional · negative
Both are overseers on Colonel Lloyd's plantation, with Mr. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Hopkins in iii

In the story

Mr. Hopkins 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 Mr. Hopkins unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Hopkins in iii