Annis
Annis is Let Us Descend's main character and protagonist. She was born to a Black, enslaved mother and a white father. Her father, in fact, was her father's owner and slave master at the time of her birth, making her birth the result of an illicit affair.
Although Annis spent a number of years with her mother in her early life, she was quickly sold into slavery by her father when she was young enough to be useful on a plantation. Her father, a greedy and heartless man, didn't care about Annis at all and removed himself of responsibility for her, causing Annis to wonder what, if anything, she was worth throughout the book. She was also stuck between two worlds (her white side and Black side), leading to an identity crisis as well.
However, ignoring all of Annis' crises, she was always an incredibly kind, hard-working, and dutiful woman. Even though she frequently worked through difficult circumstances, she never quit and always persevered. This speaks to her character; more broadly, though, it speaks to the way that her mother raised her.
Throughout the book, while drawing from the stories that her mother told her of her warrior grandmother in Africa and other family members, Annis remains strong and ultimately discovers who she is and that she is worth it. She has value, even though a part of the world says she doesn't.
Annis' mother
Although Annis' mother is only explicitly mentioned at the start of the novel, her memory, and teachings are present throughout the novel. She loves her daughter more than anything and wants the best for her. That's why, when the man who raped and impregnated her decides to sell Annis at a slave market, she is understandably inconsolable. Still, she continues on and gives Annis something to look back on and draw strength from during her journey.
Annis' father
Annis' father looms large over the story. Annis' mother was raped by her father because he wanted to exert power over her. He felt that because he technically owned Annis' mother, he could do whatever he wanted with her. That reflects who he is as a person: a power-mad, selfish, egotistical, and uncaring man. Eventually, he sells Annis into slavery, further illustrating his heartlessness.
