Washington Black

Wash, the protagonist, begins the novel as a young enslaved boy on a sugar cane plantation in Barbados. Although he is unsure of his parentage, a fierce and intimidating field slave named Big Kit adopts him. From a young age, Wash is already aware of the violence and cruelty that permeates Faith Plantation. When Wash is around 11 years old, Titch selects him to assist in his scientific experiments. Titch educates Wash and provides him with opportunities to develop his intellect and natural talents. Wash has a special affinity for drawing and can faithfully render scientific diagrams and illustrations with little formal training.

As Wash grows and changes throughout the novel, his character becomes defined by his artistic and scientific curiosity, his stubborn loyalty, and his keen sense of injustice. Wash is a curious and intelligent young man who can appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world while not flinching away from its cruelty and brutality. While Wash sometimes finds it difficult to make connections with other people, he is devoted to his personal relationships and forms strong bongs with his friends and surrogate family members, including Titch, Big Kit, Tanna, and others. Wash is also occasionally prone to a melancholy temperament and often reflects upon his past experiences.