# Clem Ray — Twelve Years a Slave character guide

> Clem Ray in Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Clem, Rachel, Clemens Ray, Ray

**First appearance:** 0011-viii

## Who they are

A slave on Epps' plantation.

## Relationships

### [James H. Burch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/characters/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 the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/iii)

Fellow captive; tells Solomon he is in William's Slave Pen and advises silence about his freedom.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/iv)

Initially handcuffed to Solomon, later returned to Washington; eventually escapes to Canada.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/characters/clem_ray
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/characters