Minstrel Characters and their Significance



The Uncle Tom is a faithful, older, black male servant. He is well behaved and respectful of the master despite being mistreated and disrespected. The most well-known Uncle Tom appeared in Uncle Tom’s Cabin , 1914, the film that gave birth to the name, based on the book by Harriet Beecher Stowe.



The Zip Coon is a crude, stupid, and trifling buffoon who often makes a fool of himself. An obnoxious personality, ill-fitting and loud clothes are typical traits. He also has difficulty understanding and pronouncing big words.