Evangeline Stokes is 21 years old as the novel opens—a young, naive, vicar’s daughter who is unaware of the viciousness of the world around her. She takes the role of governess in a wealthy household in London only to find herself sidelined by an affair with the eldest son. When she is sabotaged in his absence, she finds herself labeled a criminal and bound for transport to Australia—pregnant. However, while at Newgate Prison, she still considers herself above the other female prisoners, establishing her reliance on the social class system of Victorian society. It is not until she finds her own place on board the ship that she releases those preconceived notions.

Though she is educated, Evangeline is not educated in the ways of the world—a point that a fellow convict, Olive, makes to her upon first meeting. Evangeline’s studies in literature and philosophy did not prepare her for the truths of human nature; therefore, she is incapable of surviving in the natural world once her education and status are stripped from her. Once she meets Cecil, her lack of education into real-world circumstances comes back to haunt her: She is taken in by his charm and charisma and cannot resist his advances, even though she believes they are immoral.