Calhoun/Toussaint

Toussaint and Calhoun are both the mediators in each of their respective texts. They are also the protagonists in their story. One major difference is Toussaint is an actual person and Calhoun is completely fictionalized. However, at times it is easier for the reader to relate to Calhoun than Toussaint. Toussiant seems more like a myth than Calhoun is although Calhoun's character is not based on a real person. Both Calhoun and Toussaint are stuck between different worlds. Calhoun is stuck between the fellow members of the crew who happen to be white and the allmuseri on board who are black. Calhoun is black yet he is not african. Yet, the slaves on board the ship trust him more than they would any white man. Toussaint is trying to lead the slaves in San Domingo to freedom yet he also feels ties toward the french. In fact Toussaint considers himself french. Toussaint and Calhoun have to decide where their loyalties lie. They are both in positions of power. Toussaint seized his power while Calhoun was more passive about how he got his power.
It is also essential to look at the identities of these characters. First of all, each has a personal identity. However, Calhoun and Toussaint also both have a national somewhat ethnic identity. The events that occur in the world around them greatly influence who they are. At times their ethnicity forces them to make difficult choices. Calhoun has to choose between the crew or betraying the allmuseri. One gets the sense that Calhoun and Toussaint are in worlds that they don't always have control over. This is not only because of their race but also in the sense of social class and wealth. In San Domingo there are different categories of whites, mulattoes and black slaves. There is stife among all the social classes. In Calhoun's case the ship that he is on is controlled by rich, white merchants. Falcon, who is white is at the whim of these men as is Calhoun. Calhoun and Toussaint are both strong characters who are greatly affected by the social and racial conflicts of their times.