Charlotte is depicted as an adventurous, resilient, and resourceful young girl. The novel follows her journey as a passenger on board the ship Seahawk, traveling from Liverpool, England, to Providence, Rhode Island, in the year 1832. She encounters various challenges and faces harsh realities of life at sea during her voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Along her journey, Charlotte learns to be brave, to rely on her own wit and skills, and to stand up for her principles. Through her personal growth and introspection, Charlotte's experiences allow her to discover more about herself and what is truly important in life.