Forge

Isabel and Curzon are very close friends, and by the end of the novel act on their mutual romantic feelings for one another. Like Curzon, Isabel is a runaway slave. She is younger than Curzon, in her early teens, with a fierce demeanor and a mark branded on her cheek. Early on in the story, we learn from Curzon that the two had fallen into disagreement over whether or not they should pursue her lost sister, Ruth. Curzon, in an attempt to protect Isabel from those who’d be looking for them, urged that they head north toward Albany. This soured their relationship, leading Isabel to leave.

This fierce independence, bordering on combativeness, is a quality that defines Isabel. She’s a survivor, and like Curzon is willing to endure any number of hardships. It’s precisely this similarity that leads to their disagreements, and, in turn, is what unites them. They are evenly matched in every argument, and are evenly paired in their strength and resolve as well. It’s implied, though never stated outright, that Isabel was the victim of sexual and physical abuse during her time away from Curzon. That abuse only strengthens her resolve to find Ruth, even leading her to ally herself with Gideon, a fellow slave at Moore Hall. But even after she leaves with him in search of her sister, she returns for Curzon, telling him that her “ghosts” would not permit her to abandon him.

Ebenezer Woodruff is Curzon’s close friend and fellow soldier. They meet in the early chapters of the novel, when Curzon saves Eben from a redcoat. Eben is a talkative, high-spirited young man who believes firmly in the ideas of the revolution, even to the point of naivety. He looks up to his uncle Caleb, a sergeant in the Colonial Army who has essentially raised him as his own son.

Despite Eben’s fraternal love for Curzon, his comprehension of the plight of a black slave isn’t entirely understood by him. He and Curzon have a falling out when Eben is unable to acknowledge that fighting for freedom while also being part of the slave trade is hypocritical. Eben ultimately comes to understand his failing as a friend, and redoubles his loyalty by helping Eben escape. Like all of the protagonists in Forge, Eben is challenged by the harsh events of the story. Despite those hardships, Eben remains cheerful, idealistic, and steadfastly true to those close to him.