Iphigene Character Analysis

Iphigene is a young, enslaved man who, after being nearly beaten to death by a plantation overseer, ends up in Tituba’s care. At first, Tituba views Iphigene like a son, and the two bond over having lost their mothers to white violence in childhood; by the end of the novel, however, Tituba and Iphigene (whom Tituba frequently describes as “beautiful”) become lovers. With Tituba’s urging, Iphigene also becomes the leader of a massive slave rebellion—but before he can successfully complete his plan, Iphigene is thwarted and killed by white soldiers. Fortunately, though, he and Tituba remain close, even in the afterlife.