The friendship between Zachariah and Charlotte is founded on their position as outsiders both in nineteenth-century society and the society of the Seahawk. As he's the one singled out and punished for the crew's mutiny, Zachariah also becomes a compelling figure of sacrifice who is later resurrected.
He becomes a trustworthy friend and a loyal mentor. Unlike Captain Jaggery or her father, Zachariah presents himself not as Charlotte's superior, but as her equal. Zachariah gives Charlotte the dirk (a knife) for protection and sews for her a miniature set of sailor clothes. (He does like the story of Jonah, though.) He's also, as it turns out, Charlotte's closest ally on the Seahawk. Originally from Africa, he is around 50 years old (the oldest on the ship), cannot read, and knows very little about Christianity (8.22). Zachariah is the Seahawk's cook, surgeon, and only black man.
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