Jean-Christophe

Character Analysis

Toussaint's right-hand man is only featured long enough for us to know he's an upstanding guy. Sure, he might be a little idealistic. Or as Toussaint puts it: "Jean-Christophe thought a lot, even if he was sometimes naive in his conclusions. Well, he considered, a little innocence would probably do Toussaint himself good in his new role—give him perspective" (8.7). We can call him idealistic or we can call him innocent, but either way, dude isn't totally hip to how the world works.

Perhaps this is because Jean-Christophe hasn't been enslaved himself. And as a white man, he hasn't had the same relationship with slave-owners that Toussaint has. Even so, Jean-Christophe gives the team a great sense of perspective and depth. He brings reason and morality to the group, rather than just a desire for revenge that many of the slaves have. Toussaint trusts the guy. Need we say more?