Does Huck still see Jim as "just a slave" in the end?

The depiction of black slaves changes dramatically in the course of the novel. At first, slaves are merely background characters, carrying out chores while white characters monopolize the plot. However, this changes with the introduction of Jim, and continues to develop even when Jim leaves the plot for brief periods. Huck is the driving force behind this change. Huck sees Jim as his loyal friend and confidant. He finds a kindred spirit in Jim more than he has ever felt in a white person.