# The Master — To Cuba and Back character guide

> The Master in To Cuba and Back by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the master

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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 outside any accounting of rights. His presence forces the narrator's abstract questions about government down to the concrete ground of labor and ownership.

## Relationships

### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/characters/unknown_narrator)

_professional_

The Master is likely a ship captain or authority figure whom the narrator interacts with regularly during the voyage.

### [Coolies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/characters/coolies)

_professional_

The Master oversees the coolies as laborers on the ship, maintaining authority and control over them.

### [The Kangaroo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/characters/the_kangaroo)

_professional_

The Kangaroo and The Master are likely connected through ship operations or maritime hierarchy.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/viii)

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

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xi)

The older gentleman at dinner, presumably the master of the plantation.

### [First Day on a Sugar Estate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xii)

The younger Mr. C⸺, who resides on and manages the plantation; he speaks English natively, having been born in South Carolina.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xiii)

The young master rises early, rides before sunrise, and manages the estate; he is described as having a cosmopolitan education and experience.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xiv)

Described as a policeman, economist, and judge who manages slaves and guards against threats.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xx)

Implied in the narrator's critique of those who 'work your slaves' as part of the broader social commentary.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xxii)

The wealthy planter host at breakfast, provides views on Cuba's population and economy.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/xxiii)

Implied in the discussion of slavery and the condition of slaves, though not directly named.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/characters/the_master
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/characters