In 1841, Solomon Northup () is a carpenter and violin, with his wife and children live in Saratoga Springs, New York. Later, two white men () tricked Solomon into Washington and sold him as slaves on the grounds that they offered him a chance to perform as an accompaniment in the circus.
Solomon was renamed "Pratt", a slave who escaped from Georgia. He was Theophilus Freeman () sold to plantation owners, Mr. Ford (). Solomon and Mr. Ford get along well. The transportation channel he built was efficient, and Mr. Ford gave him a violin in praise. But it stirred up a carpenter mention John Peets () of the unpopular, began his acrimony. Tibitz colluded with friends to lynch Solomon, and he was rescued by Mr. Ford in a coma. Mr. Ford said he wants to survive, it must be sold to Solomon Edmund Epps (). He wanted to tell Mr. Ford that he was not actually a slave, but Mr. Ford said "I can't listen to you say this" and "he has debts to pay" and he can't help himself.
Epps believed that the abuse of slaves was permitted by the Bible, and advised them to accept the so-called fate. He required that every slave must pick 200 pounds of cotton a day, otherwise he would be beaten. Patsy () can be taken daily over 500 lbs of cotton, Epps often praise her, she has been ill. Mrs. Epps () very jealous, Mr. Epps said in public after being threatened him if he would prefer his wife Patsy, rather, there is a chance she would be violent abuse Patsy .
Patsy, who was raped by Mr. Epps many times, sought help from Solomon, but he refused. Epps believed that the new slaves had brought cotton worms, and he rented these slaves to a nearby sugar plantation. The owner of the sugar plantation liked Solomon very much, and allowed him to play the violin at the wedding anniversary, and paid for his labor. After returning to Epps Manor, he wanted to use the money to ask two white men to send a letter to his friends in New York State. On the surface, they agreed to his request and collected the money, but secretly reported him. Solomon reluctantly convinced Epps, and in the end he could only quietly burn the letter, his only hope.
One day, Eps was furious because he couldn't find Patsy everywhere. When she came back, Eps ordered her to be tied up and forced Solomon to flog Patsy. Solomon had no choice but to obey, but he couldn't continue. Epps took the whip and continued until Patsy's body was bloody. Patsy gradually recovered, Solomon and carpenter from Canada Bass (together to build a terrace). Bass opposed slavery. Solomon trusted him and asked him for help, hoping that he could send a letter to Saratoga Springs. At first, Buss thought it would threaten his own life so he did not agree, but the kind-hearted he still agreed to Solomon's request.
The governor of New York and another person came to Solomon’s manor and called for Solomon. The governor asked Solomon some questions about his previous life in New York State. Solomon recognized that the governor’s companion was a Saratoga he knew. The owner of the shop, this person is here to liberate him. Although Epps still didn't believe it, Patsy was also very surprised. Before leaving, Solomon gave Patsy the last hug. After 12 years as a slave, Solomon was free and returned to his home.
