Barry Sloane: Playing Edward Winslow | Saints & Strangers

Edie Winslow was an emissary between the Saints and the Peconic tribe. Two knives, comprised of fine steel with ornate design, served as a symbol of strength or civic trust. He was a great friend of William Bradford's and later would go on to not only be the governor of Flemeth but also serve the king back in England. He had a busy life and fathered a son who plays a big part within the growth of the country as well.

He is a scholar, a religious man, and a man of peace. Although he now knows how to fire a musket, he would not be the first in line. Lots of Bible holding and sword touching, which is always a threat, I feel, but no, no wielding at this point.

When you're playing somebody from historical fact, you know, I think it's only right to do your due diligence and check everything. The books of William Bradford speak of many of these characters. There is a great book called "The Mayflower," which is a great read whether you're doing this role or not. I would advise people to read that; it kind of gave me a little peek inside the world that we know.

In harbor to you, we are bound together in this venture, Mr. Hopkins. Your people and ours need to make a common cause for a better life for all of us. The challenge for me was to play the leader that he would become and to play against my physicality, to play against my usual casting type, in that he would be subservient.

He would learn how to be a leader, and I just wanted to be able to show this growth in the mind. Also, he is a man who is devout in his belief in God but suffers so much hardship that he is drawn also towards the natives' way of thinking.