Colonel Cresswell

Zora Cresswell

Colonel Cresswell is Zora's father, but he treats her with cold disdain due to her illegitimate birth and his own racist beliefs.

Mary Taylor

Colonel Cresswell employs Mary Taylor as a house servant, and he views her with a mix of paternalism and sexual objectification.

Mrs. Vanderpool

Colonel Cresswell and Mrs. Vanderpool are business partners in the cotton industry, cooperating despite underlying distrust.

Harry Cresswell

Colonel Cresswell is Harry's father, and their relationship is marked by disappointment and conflict over Harry's reckless behavior.

Bles Alwyn

Bles and Colonel Cresswell are antagonists, as Bles challenges the Colonel's authority and exposes his corrupt practices.

Zora Cresswell

Colonel Cresswell is Zora's father, but he treats her with cold disdain due to her illegitimate birth and his own racist beliefs.

Zora Cresswell

Colonel Cresswell is Zora's father, but he treats her with cold disdain due to her illegitimate birth and his own racist beliefs.

Mary Taylor

Colonel Cresswell employs Mary Taylor as a house servant, and he views her with a mix of paternalism and sexual objectification.

Mary Taylor

Colonel Cresswell employs Mary Taylor as a house servant, and he views her with a mix of paternalism and sexual objectification.

Mrs. Vanderpool

Colonel Cresswell and Mrs. Vanderpool are business partners in the cotton industry, cooperating despite underlying distrust.

Mrs. Vanderpool

Colonel Cresswell and Mrs. Vanderpool are business partners in the cotton industry, cooperating despite underlying distrust.

Bles Alwyn

Bles and Colonel Cresswell are antagonists, as Bles challenges the Colonel's authority and exposes his corrupt practices.

Mr. Harry Cresswell

Discusses the cotton combine letter with his son and worries about the cost of labor.

X: Mr. Taylor Calls

The patriarch of the Cresswell family, who is initially indignant at Taylor's proposal but is restrained by his son, revealing his financial desperation.

The Rape of the Fleece

At the Christmas market, he is excited by Zora's cotton and insists it must be theirs, showing his exploitative nature. He dismisses Harry's fairness.

The Cotton Corner

Initially hesitant about the Farmers' League scheme, he is persuaded by his son Harry to participate, hoping to profit from the cotton corner.

XX: The Weaving of the Silver Fleece

Proud of the Silver Fleece but troubled by the upcoming marriages of his children. He dismisses Zora's presence and orders her to work in the fields.

The Buying of the Swamp

Sees an opportunity to exploit Zora's plan, believing the deal is risk-free and that he can get the swamp cleared for almost nothing.

XXXIV: The Return of Alwyn

Suspicious and hostile, he confronts Alwyn and Zora, reinforcing racial boundaries.

The Cotton Mill

Initially resistant to the mill scheme, he is concerned about the school's growth and the threat posed by educated Black leaders like Zora and Bles, whom he believes must be crushed.

The Land

Colonel Cresswell actively opposes the school's land project, charging the men with debts and attempting to cheat Zora, but is ultimately outmaneuvered.

Atonement

On his deathbed, he makes his will, leaves a legacy to the school, and dies after a haunting encounter with Emma.