A man living in the north in ,Saratoga New York, named Solomon Northup is recruited for a music/work trip. Whilst on this trip he is abducted and then sold into slavery. Under the name Platt he lives through his slave life for 12 years bouncing around always deciding that cooperation with his masters will be his best chance of survival, this train of thought leads to him having difficulties at the same time because it leads to emotional problems with the other slaves in the same situation as him due in part to jealousy and such. His life shows him that people aren't malicious per say, but will do anything to get out of a bad situation even at others expenses.Then his luck seems to turn as he meets an abolitionist from Canada named Bass who promises to send a letter to his family back in Saratoga.