The dynamic Butler creates between Rufus and Dana is a really interesting and complex one. I feel like their relationship is constantly changing as Dana learns more and more about how far Rufus is willing to go to get what he wants. Each time Rufus goes a little further, Dana is surprised but eventually forgives him. It makes me wonder how far she's willing to go for his sake; no matter what he does, Dana feels a connection to Rufus. They're kindred spirits in that they are tied to each other and have a relationship that no one else can possibly fathom. In many ways, Dana is an anachronism--literally, of course, but also in that her relationship to Rufus is one that wouldn't exist under the given social conventions of the time.

Rufus needs Dana and he knows it. Furthermore, he finds comfort in talk to her. Though he could try to talk to Alice, it's not the same. Rufus prefers talking to Dana, and Alice is no stranger to this. She remarks that she would never get away saying some of the things Dana says to Rufus. There's also the fact that should Rufus ever need help, Dana will be there for him--literally and figuratively. Their relationship is so unique because Dana isn't just the object of a slaveholder's desire; in fact, in a way, she's the one with all the power. The societal reaction to their relationship is also indicative of its unusualness. People don't know what to make of the two of them and some slaves take out their frustration of Dana because they're jealous of her. Tom Weylin is certainly perplexed by it as well; he recognizes Dana's power but has no idea what to make of it.