Twelve Years a Slave · Character
Clem Ray
A slave on Epps' plantation.
minor
Also known as Clem, Rachel, Clemens Ray, Ray
First appearance: viii
Clem Ray's tie to James H. Burch is one of the pressures that moves Twelve Years a Slave—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Fellow captive; tells Solomon he is in William's Slave Pen and advises silence about his freedom.
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With James H. Burch (professional): Clem Ray is a slave trader who works with Burch in the kidnapping and sale of free blacks like Solomon. In III: Fellow captive; tells Solomon he is in William's Slave Pen and advises…
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See Clem Ray in viiiCharacter Web
25 connectionsA slice of how Clem Ray sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Slaveholders who hire Solomon
- Solomon's captors and betrayers
- Plantation slaves and overseers
+20 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the first real hope of deliverance after years of d…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- James H. Burch
professional · negative
Clem Ray is a slave trader who works with Burch in the kidnapping and sale of free blacks… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Clem Ray in viiiIn the story
Clem Ray appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Clem Ray unlock in the free preview.
See Clem Ray in viii