SALLY HEWITT
Historical figure and second daughter to Amelia and Abram Hewitt, and granddaughter to Peter Cooper. She’s fiery, independent, and acutely aware of her own desires. She is ready to dismantle patriarchal norms--if only she could find an occupation worthy of her attention!
NELLIE HEWITT
Historical figure and youngest daughter of Amelia and Abram Hewitt, and granddaughter to Peter Cooper. A sensitive soul with an eye for design, Nellie takes a more cautious approach to the world - she believes in romance, but worries it isn’t possible for her on her own terms.
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ETTA BLACKWELL
As a Black young woman, Etta struggles to make a place for herself in a society designed to shut her out. She has a great talent for drawing and wishes to present a world of courage, hope, and humanity.
LI XIU
An extremely talented seamstress who recently immigrated to New York from China with her husband Huang. She is smart and resourceful by necessity, as she faces many challenges in a country the recently signed the Chinese Exclusion Act into law.
PRUDENCE WILLIAMS
A journalist with a sharp eye for politics, Prudence is stuck writing for the society pages. Ambitious, and whip-smart, Prudence believes everyone in New York is hiding at least one secret.
BRIDGET
Bridget is smart and hardworking. When she lands a coveted position as a ladie's maid within the Hewitt family household, Bridget quickly ingratiates herself with Sally and Nellie. But Bridget understands the necessity of concealing her true past, and she isn’t beyond some unsavory dealings in order to advance her position in the world.