Antebellum:
covers anywhere from 1815-1860, and is classified as the years leading up to the The American Civil War. Also known as the "Plantation Era", and for good reason. At this time, the South's economy grows more and more dependent on slavery as cotton replaces tobacco, and becomes the staple crop. Not surprisingly, the South becomes quickly stuck in agrarian ways, where the North continues to progress towards industrialism, leading to a slow yet continuous decline in the relationship between the two. Political disharmony between the slave run South and industrial North is patched up by shaky compromises, and by shoving important race-issues under the rug.
1851: Childhood
Following the Mexican-American war, tensions are high as the divide between the North and South becomes more and more apparent through sharp divisions between Slave states and Free states. It's a race to overpower one another. The division is even legal, thanks to the Missouri Compromise, and the Mason-Dixon line.
- Charlie Bishop: is seven years old at the time. Fiercly stubborn and free-minded, she is trapped in her Southern Society, one that dictates she be a proper young lady. Lucky for her, a young boy named Ben is happy to be her friend, ignoring the strict gender roles.
- Jethro Pelsman: is twelve at the time. Skittish, outcasted, undeniably depressed, and nursing some wounds from some pretty serious abuse thanks to his drunk father, Jethro is torn between protecting his mother and fleeing rural Alabama, where he lives.
- Mintcy Dunsitch: is six years old at the time. Sheltered and saddened by the recent death of her father, Mintcy and her mother are taking refuge in the small cabin they share together, locked away from the outside world. Or more like separated due to their racist Southern Society.
- Benjamin Sorderer: is six years old at the time. Optimistic and fun-loving, Ben is a writer, who's sole motive is to impress his father. He provides a much needed friend for Charlie.
1859: Teenaged
Right before John Brown's famous raid, tensions have grown even more high. Talk of secession is constant, and even more exciting to the young men, talk of war. Following the famous Brooks and Sumner incident, people of the North and South begin to reason: if politicians have to resort to violence, why can't we?
- Charlie Bishop: Somehow distanced from her former friend, Ben.
- Jethro Pelsman: is 20 at the time.
- Benjamin Sorderer: With the death of his sister, Mary, Ben soon realizes his father's love has seemingly diminished. Ben knows that try as he may, he cannot experience the same approval he once got from his stoic father.
- Mintcy Dunsitch: is 15 at the time.
