← All characters

Twelve Years a Slave · Character

Sam

A slave on Epps' plantation.

minor

Also known as Sam Roberts, Samuel

First appearance: viii

Sam shows up with force in VII. The page is where that presence becomes real.

A slave who becomes deeply religious; Solomon reads the Bible to him.
In the storyVIIOpen this moment free
See Sam in VIIBook page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

In VII: A slave who becomes deeply religious; Solomon reads the Bible to him. Later, in XI: Eldret's slave from Charleston, accompanies…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Sam sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Sam in viii

Character Web

32 connections

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

MLMiss LivelyJHJames H. BurchMMMr. MarshallPLPlattELElizabethSASam

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Neighboring plantation slaves
  • Solomon's captors and betrayers
  • Solomon's rescuers and allies

+27 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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 reading

In the story

Sam appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Sam unlock in the free preview.

See Sam in viii
See Sam in VII