Caleb's Crossing

Caleb, the novel’s central figure, is a deeply intelligent, extremely impressive young Native man who is interested in learning both settler ways and the ways of his own people. At first, this desire stems from Caleb’s ambition to become a pawaaw like his uncle. Ultimately, his pursuit of education brings him to study in Boston at Harvard College, where he excels in his studies and manages to thrive intellectually despite the racism he encounters from most people around him.

Caleb’s close relationship with Bethia allows the novel to contrast their experiences as marginalized people in 17th century New England. 

Tequamuck is a pawaaw, the spiritual leader and healer of the Wampanoag tribe. He is also Caleb’s uncle and, at one point, initiates Caleb into his occult knowledge. He breaks his ties with Caleb after Caleb’s conversion to Christianity.

Tequamuck is the primary rival of Bethia’s father, who spends the novel fighting against the encroaching cultural and religious influence of the settlers over his people. Because he does not succeed, Tequamuck ends up a bitter and angry man, living alone. He ultimately resigns himself to the fact that the English and their God will dominate, but he refuses to abandon his people or his faith.