Who is Karel van Doorn from The Covenant and what is their importance?

Karel van Doorn is a Dutchman living in Java. By age 23, he is already commanding attention with his stiff breeding and austere manner. Karel is chosen as the emissary to speak to the peoples of Malacca before the Dutch attempt to takeover the fort from the Portuguese. His job is to assure them that they will be better for the transition. When he accomplishes his task, the takeover proceeds without opposition from the locals. Karel later returns to Holland to continue his education. When he finally returns, he is instated as governor.