Patsy is Jefferson’s eldest child. She is tall and has inherited her father’s striking red hair. Since her mother’s premature death, Patsy has functioned as Jefferson’s principal companion. He often tells her that she is all he has left in the world, instilling within Patsy a deep sense of family responsibility.

Patsy idolizes her father and always puts his needs first, often sacrificing her own happiness. She has difficulty adjusting her priorities after she marries, which creates serious tension in her relationship with her husband. Patsy is determined to preserve her father’s legacy at all costs, even if it means concealing the truth about his relationship with Sally.

Jefferson is a brilliant politician and the voice of the American Revolution. His unusual height and red hair also give him a commanding physical presence. Jefferson has an extreme fear of abandonment and becomes suicidal after the death of his wife. He relies heavily on Patsy for emotional comfort and stability. Conflicted about the issue of slavery, Jefferson never speaks openly about his relationship with Sally.

Sally is a slave and the half-sister of Jefferson’s wife. Sally is beautiful, with striking amber eyes and a majestic bearing. She never speaks openly about her decades-long relationship with Jefferson.