"Twice Freed" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Twice Freed" by Patricia St. John, we follow the journey of Onesimus, a young slave who experiences freedom twice in his life. Onesimus serves as the protagonist, and his story revolves around his transformation from a bitter and rebellious slave to a changed and redeemed individual.

Character Descriptions

Onesimus

Onesimus is a young slave who serves Philemon, a wealthy Christian in the city of Colossae. Initially, Onesimus is described as a rebellious and resentful individual, seeking to escape the clutches of slavery. He is depicted as physically strong and resourceful, using his skills to survive and navigate the Roman society.

Eirene

Eirene is Onesimus's younger sister. She is portrayed as a kind-hearted and compassionate girl, who deeply cares for her brother. Despite the challenges they face, Eirene remains hopeful and supportive of Onesimus.

Philemon

Philemon is Onesimus's master and a prominent Christian in Colossae. He is depicted as a fair and compassionate master, treating his slaves with respect and kindness. Philemon's character demonstrates the values of forgiveness and love, serving as a contrast to the oppressive Roman society.

Appius

Appius is a Roman senator and the antagonist of the story. He represents the harsh and unjust nature of the Roman Empire, exploiting and mistreating slaves for his personal gain. Appius serves as a symbol of the corrupt and oppressive system that Onesimus seeks to escape.

Epaphras

Epaphras is a Christian leader who plays a crucial role in Onesimus's transformation. He is depicted as a wise and compassionate mentor, guiding Onesimus towards a newfound faith in Christ. Epaphras serves as a spiritual guide and a beacon of hope for Onesimus.

Character Traits

Onesimus

• Rebellious: Onesimus initially rebels against his circumstances and seeks freedom.
• Resourceful: Onesimus uses his skills and intelligence to survive in the Roman society.
• Bitter: Due to his experiences as a slave, Onesimus carries a deep sense of bitterness and resentment.
• Courageous: Despite the risks, Onesimus takes bold steps towards freedom and personal redemption.
• Compassionate: As Onesimus's character develops, he begins to show compassion towards others, especially his sister Eirene.

Eirene

• Kind-hearted: Eirene possesses a gentle and caring nature, showing compassion to those around her.
• Supportive: Eirene remains a steadfast supporter of her brother, offering encouragement in difficult times.
• Hopeful: Eirene holds onto hope and believes in the possibility of a better future.

Philemon

• Fair: Philemon treats his slaves with fairness and respect, displaying Christian values.
• Forgiving: Philemon exemplifies forgiveness by extending grace towards Onesimus after his transformation.
• Generous: Philemon is known for his generosity, providing for the needs of his slaves and the community.

Appius

• Cruel: Appius represents the cruelty and oppression of the Roman Empire, exploiting slaves for personal gain.
• Power-hungry: Appius seeks to maintain and increase his power through the mistreatment of others.

Epaphras

• Wise: Epaphras possesses wisdom and discernment, guiding Onesimus towards spiritual growth.
• Compassionate: Epaphras demonstrates compassion and understanding, offering support to Onesimus during his journey.

Character Background

Onesimus and Eirene were born into slavery in the city of Colossae, under the rule of the Roman Empire. As slaves, they experienced the harsh realities of oppression and mistreatment. Onesimus, fueled by his bitterness, sought to escape this life of servitude. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he encountered Philemon, a Christian master who treated his slaves with kindness and respect. Through Philemon's influence and the guidance of Epaphras, Onesimus discovered a new path, one that led to spiritual freedom and redemption.

Character Arcs

Onesimus

Onesimus's character arc in "Twice Freed" is transformative and redemptive. Initially driven by bitterness and rebellion, he embarks on a physical journey to escape slavery. However, his encounter with Philemon and the Christian faith leads to an inward transformation. Onesimus experiences spiritual freedom through forgiveness and acceptance of Christ's love. He ultimately learns the value of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, leading him to make amends with Philemon and embrace a new life.

Eirene

Eirene's character arc is characterized by her unwavering support and belief in her brother's potential. She remains a constant source of hope and encouragement for Onesimus, even in the face of adversity. Eirene's faith and love serve as a guiding light for Onesimus, reinforcing the themes of family bonds and the power of compassion.

Philemon

While not the central character, Philemon undergoes his own character development in the story. He exemplifies the Christian values of forgiveness and love. Philemon's transformation is showcased through his decision to forgive Onesimus and welcome him as a brother in Christ, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness.

Appius

Appius represents the unchanging nature of the oppressive Roman Empire. His character arc remains stagnant, serving as a constant reminder of the unjust system that Onesimus seeks to escape.

Epaphras

Epaphras's character arc is characterized by his role as a spiritual mentor and guide for Onesimus. Through his wisdom and compassion, Epaphras leads Onesimus towards spiritual growth and redemption. His character remains consistent in his commitment to helping others find freedom in Christ.

Relationships

Onesimus and Eirene share a deep sibling bond, supporting and caring for each other throughout their journey. Eirene's unwavering faith in Onesimus plays a significant role in his transformation.

The relationship between Onesimus and Philemon evolves from that of master and slave to one of forgiveness and brotherhood. Philemon's ability to extend grace and welcome Onesimus as a brother in Christ demonstrates the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Epaphras serves as a spiritual mentor and guide for Onesimus, nurturing his faith and helping him navigate the challenges he faces. Epaphras's relationship with Onesimus is instrumental in his journey towards redemption.

Appius represents the oppressive and exploitative relationship between the Roman Empire and its slaves. His character serves as a stark contrast to the relationships based on love, forgiveness, and compassion.

In conclusion, "Twice Freed" by Patricia St. John explores the transformative journey of Onesimus, highlighting themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of faith. The characters play vital roles in the development of the story, showcasing the impact of relationships, personal growth, and the pursuit of freedom.