Even though this seems to be following a pre-existing character I am not familiar with, I had no trouble understanding the plot and character. The main character struck me in a way I have never been affected before as he was both extremely unlike able and like able all at once. He seemed like such a genuine, calm person but his views on slavery were awful but he was smart and charming and suave and I wanted to dislike him because of what he was advocating for in court but he had such a way with words and an aura I could sense through the book and AH! What a complex character!