To Cuba and Back · Character

The Master

A Cuban slaveholder whose plantation economy the narrator weighs against the human cost of the system that sustains it.

supporting

Also known as the master

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in To Cuba and Back, The Master is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The bishop of Havana, host of the dinner, described as a kind and courteous gentleman of Old Spain and a prelate.

In the storyVIIIOpen this moment free

See The Master in VIII Book page

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He belongs to the planter class whose scattered, isolated life the narrator says makes public schooling nearly impossible. Around him, sugar and molasses flow toward Havana while the people who produce them remain…

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See The Master in i

Character Web

8 connections

A slice of how The Master sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Social and Religious Groups
Protagonist
Individual Characters and References

+3 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The narrative climax occurs in the juxtaposition of the trivial, universal Cuban habit of smoking—where a dyin…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Unknown Narrator
professional · ambivalent
The Master is likely a ship captain or authority figure whom the narrator interacts with… How this plays out →
Coolies
professional · negative
The Kangaroo
professional · ambivalent

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See The Master in i

In the story

The Master appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VIII
The bishop of Havana, host of the dinner, described as a kind and courteous gentleman of Old Spain and a prelate.
XI
The older gentleman at dinner, presumably the master of the plantation.
First Day on a Sugar Estate
The younger Mr. C⸺, who resides on and manages the plantation; he speaks English natively, having been born in South Carolina.
XIII
The young master rises early, rides before sunrise, and manages the estate; he is described as having a cosmopolitan education and experience.
XIV
Described as a policeman, economist, and judge who manages slaves and guards against threats.
XX
Implied in the narrator's critique of those who 'work your slaves' as part of the broader social commentary.
XXII
The wealthy planter host at breakfast, provides views on Cuba's population and economy.
XXIII
Implied in the discussion of slavery and the condition of slaves, though not directly named.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Master in i

See The Master in VIII