As a protagonist, Callahan's perspective undergoes an abrupt shift. Before the loss of Napoleon Solo, he is the commensurate adventurer, welcoming risk and anxious to overcome the challenges they present. Callahan wants to win, to prove himself. Lost at sea, however, Callahan's mind turns from daring to doom. As despair proves a factor, Callahan's erratic morale adds another hue to the narrative. The stakes of survival are much higher than those of adventure.