Arthur Character Analysis in 12 Years a Slave

Arthur is one of Solomon’s first friends at the very beginning of his time as a slave. While on the slave ship, Arthur, Robert, and Solomon make a plan for their escape off the boat, but the plans are shattered by Robert’s death and Arthur’s later rescue in New Orleans by friends from home.

Arthur Character Timeline in 12 Years a Slave

The timeline below shows where the character Arthur appears in 12 Years a Slave. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...way to New Orleans, picking up four more slaves. Among them is a slave named Arthur. Like Solomon and Robert, Arthur is a free man with a family and was kidnapped... (full context)

One day, Arthur and Solomon talk at length about their families and their preference for death over slavery.... (full context)

Solomon, Arthur, and Robert are never able to put their plan into action, as Robert catches smallpox... (full context)

...town to send the letter, he sees two men approaching the ship and yelling for Arthur. When Arthur sees them, he is overcome with joy, recognizing them as friends from home.... (full context)