Jacobs introduces many different people that touch her life throughout the story. Three of the women characters are Linda Brent, Aunt Martha (her Grandmother), and Mrs. Bruce (the first one). These women are all important characters in the book because they all portray strong women. Jacobs uses these women to help show the issue of gender to her readers.
             First, there is Linda Brent, who represents Jacobs in the story. We begin the story with her as a young slave girl. She is a very strong character. She is strong physically, psychologically and spiritually. She is an intelligent and clear-thinking woman. She accepts the responsibility for her actions and choices. She is also creative, which is obvious if you look at the ways she eludes Dr. Flint by making up excuses and writing letters. She has many close relationships, such as with her Grandmother, that demonstrate her compassionate and loving nature. She has the ability to look beyond race and class to realize that women share a common bond are both victims of the patriarchal society.
             Next, there is Aunt Martha, who is Jacobs's grandmother. She is one of the stabilizing forces in Brent's life. She stands as an example to Linda and therefore has many of the same qualities. Aunt Martha is also very strong psychologically and spiritually. Her psychological strength is evident in her surviving all the trials of being a slave and a mother. Her physical Strength is evident in her continued belief in god and Christianity despite all her experiences. She differs from Linda in one specific way, which is that she is not as forgiving. She has trouble forgiving Linda for her indiscretion, but in the end she displays the kindness and compassion that is common between both Brent and Martha.
             Lastly, there is Mrs. Bruce, who is an Englishwoman that employs Linda. Mrs. Bruce hates slavery and helps Linda adjust to her new life in New York. She helps Linda begin to trust again. T...