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Although no longer the main character of the narrative, Huck still plays a key role in Everett’s adaptation of Twain’s original text. His presence by Jim’s side throughout much of the action undeniably impacts the choices that Jim makes and unwittingly complicates his journey to freedom, especially considering the added detail of their relationship as father and son. Huck’s naivete starkly contrasts with Jim’s deep understanding of racial politics early in the novel, but as they spend more time together, they help each other see through the lies that their society has pushed onto them. For Huck, this growth occurs in the form of a moral awakening similar to that which he experiences in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He transforms from a playful boy, following Tom’s lead in teasing Jim, into someone who seriously considers the circumstances of the emerging Civil War and chooses to support the Union. Some of this processing occurs as Huck asks questions about the world around him, but he also evolves purely because of the time he spends alongside someone different from himself. While he admittedly struggles to think of others, witnessing how Jim navigates life as an enslaved Black man helps him begin to understand the consequences of injustice. 

Two notable changes that Everett makes to his version of Huck are his supporting role to Jim and his ambiguous ending. While Huck wants to rescue Jim from the Phelpses in Twain’s story, he is not ultimately responsible for doing so. In Everett’s novel, however, Huck plays a more active role and frequently insists on staying by Jim’s side. He brings important information to Jim on multiple occasions, facilitating Jim’s eventual return to his family, and does his best to stand up for his new friend. The loyalty that Huck displays is almost reminiscent of the kindness that Jim offers as a supporting character in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Once Huck does all he can to help Jim locate his family, he all but disappears from the novel. He presumably returns to Miss Watson’s to live with her, but considering the revelation that Jim is his father, this choice seems surprising. While some readers may find this ambiguous conclusion to Huck’s story unsatisfying, Everett uses it to emphasize the idea that his journey is not finished.

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