Who exactly was Alfre Woodwards character? She is in the scene sitting on verandah drdrinking tea. Couldn't she help Solomon and Patsey?
shareI think she was one of Epps' slaves but she was freed. This is a wild guest. Someone could correct me if I'm mistaken :)
shareShe was referred to as Mistress Shaw. She was, in fact, the slave of Mr Shaw. However, he considered himself to be in love with her. So they were living "at home" as common-law husband and wife. But, since interracial marriages were not legally recognized, their arrangement was very much strictly restricted to the grounds of his land. In addition, since "Mistress Shaw", as a legal slave, did not in fact have the actual legal capacity to say no to Mr Shaw, their relationship was still "morally" predicated on RAPE. Regardless of whether Mr Shaw considered himself to be in love with her. Lastly, the short answer to your original question, she was simply something of a confidant and mentor to neighboring slave Patsey.
No man lies so boldly as the man who is indignant.