# James H. Burch — Twelve Years a Slave character guide

> James H. Burch in Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Burch, H. Burch, Jim, Master Burch

**First appearance:** 0006-iii

## Snapshot

The Washington slave trader who bought Solomon's freedom with a drugged drink and a forged bill of sale, then beat him bloody when he protested his kidnapping.

## Who they are

Burch operates a slave pen in the nation's capital, trafficking in human beings while presenting himself as a legitimate businessman. When Solomon insists on his free status, Burch responds with the lash and a threat of death, revealing the raw violence beneath the commerce. Years later, when Solomon returns with legal counsel, Burch's panic and frantic search for his old partner Shekels expose the cowardice behind his cruelty. He matters because he is the instrument of Solomon's initial downfall, the moment a free man becomes property.

## Relationships

### [Clem Ray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/characters/clem_ray)

_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)

Beats Solomon with a paddle and cat-o'-ninetails, threatening to kill him if he claims freedom.

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

Slave trader who transports the group to Richmond and threatens Solomon for mentioning New York.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/xix)

Referenced by Solomon as the man who taught him the danger of asserting his freedom.

### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/xxii)

Prosecuted for kidnapping but acquitted after presenting false testimony.

### [Appendix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/twelve_years_a_slave_se/chapters/appendix)

Defendant in the legal proceedings, accused of kidnapping and selling Solomon.

## Links

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