Howell Walker Character Analysis

Howell is Hiram’s father and also his enslaver. During the main section of the narrative he is already quite old (around 70) and dies at the end of the novel. Howell’s marriage produced one son, Maynard; his wife is dead by the time the narrative opens. Howell was attached to Rose and deluded himself into believing she loved him, even though—because he was her captor—he was actually her rapist. When Rose ran away, Howell’s delusion was shattered, and in punishment, he sold her. In his old age, Howell appears to soften a little, although he never takes substantial action to right his wrongs. He often expresses his regret to Hiram and confesses that he is not a good person.