Character guide

Dain Maroola

major

Also known as Dain, Maroola, Tuan Dain, Tuan Maroola

A handsome Malay prince who becomes Nina's lover and a key figure in the plot.

Kaspar Almayer

major

Also known as Almayer, Mr. Almayer, Tuan Almayer, Poor Almayer, Kaspar

A Dutch trader in Sambir, obsessed with finding gold and his daughter's future.

Nina Almayer

major

Also known as Nina, Mem Nina, the white Mem, the young Mem Putih, Mem Putih

Almayer's mixed-race daughter, torn between her father's world and her Malay heritage.

Babalatchi

supporting

Also known as Tuan Babalatchi, the one-eyed Babalatchi

A cunning one-eyed Malay advisor to Lakamba, often scheming against Almayer.

Lakamba

supporting

Also known as Sultan Lakamba, the Rajah of Sambir, the Rajah, Rajah

The Malay ruler of Sambir, often in conflict with Almayer over trade.

Ali

supporting

Also known as the faithful Sumatrese Ali, Sambir Ali

Almayer's loyal Sumatran servant and occasional confidant.

Syed Abdulla

supporting

Also known as Abdulla

A wealthy Arab trader and rival to Almayer in Sambir.

Captain Ford

supporting

Also known as Ford

A British sea captain who trades with Almayer and knows the coast.

Taminah

supporting

Also known as Reshid Taminah

A young Malay slave girl who secretly loves Dain.

Tom Lingard

supporting

Also known as Lingard, old Lingard, Captain Lingard, the Rajah Laut

A legendary sea adventurer and Almayer's former patron, often mentioned.

Mahmat Banjer

minor

Also known as Mahmat, the enterprising Mahmat

A local trader and occasional ally of Almayer.

Bulangi

minor

A Malay boatman and minor character in Sambir.

Jim-Eng

minor

Also known as the baffled Jim-Eng

A Chinese trader in Sambir, often comically baffled.

Reshid

minor

Also known as Tuan Reshid, Syed Reshid

A nephew of Abdulla, involved in trade and local politics.

Mrs. Vinck

minor

Also known as a Mrs. Vinck, the proper Mrs. Vinck, the virtuous Mrs. Vinck

A Dutch colonial wife, briefly mentioned in social contexts.

Mr. Vinck

minor

Also known as Vinck

A Dutch colonial official, husband of Mrs. Vinck.

Hudig

minor

Also known as old Hudig, Hudig of Macassar

A Macassar trader and former associate of Lingard.