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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass · Character

Nathan Johnson

A free black man who welcomes Douglass in New Bedford and helps him find work.

minor

Also known as Mr. Nathan Johnson, Mr. Johnson, Johnson

First appearance: Chapter XI

Nathan Johnson's tie to Henry Bailey 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.

Kindly provided Douglass with a wood-horse and saw for work.
In the storyChapter XIOpen this moment free

Nathan Johnson first appears in 0013 xi.

With Henry Bailey (friendship): Nathan Johnson, a free black man, helps Henry Bailey (Douglass) after his escape to New Bedford. With William Freeland (social): Nathan Johnson and William Freeland are both free black men who assist Douglass after his escape, though Freeland is his former master. With William Freeland (social): Nathan Johnson and William Freeland are both free black men who assist Douglass after his escape, though Freeland is his former master.

See Nathan Johnson in Chapter XIBook page

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Character Web

10 connections

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

WFWilliam FreelandHBHenry BaileyTHThomas HamiltonCEColonel Edward…LALucretia AuldNJNathan Johnson

Relationship types

  • Social
  • Friendship
  • Other

Character groups

  • Supportive Figures and Friends
  • Cruel Overseers and Masters
  • Key Figures in Douglass's Life

+5 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

SetupAftermathClimax
  • 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.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

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

See Nathan Johnson in Chapter XI

In the story

Nathan Johnson 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 Nathan Johnson unlock in the free preview.

See Nathan Johnson in Chapter XI
See Nathan Johnson in Chapter XI
Nathan Johnson — Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass