Character guide

Albert Brown

major

Also known as Seaman Albert Brown, Leading Seaman Albert Brown, Young Albert, Leading Seaman Brown

A young British seaman captured by the Germans, central to the story's conflict.

Agatha Brown

major

Also known as Aggie, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Agatha Brown

Albert's mother, a strong-willed woman who shapes his early life.

Richard Saville-Samarez

major

Also known as Captain Samarez, Captain Richard E. S. Saville-Samarez, Saville-Samarez

A British naval captain and Agatha's former lover, later commanding a ship.

Ziethen Brown

supporting

Also known as Ziethen, The Ziethen

Albert's father, a German sailor who had a brief affair with Agatha.

Hans Schmidt

supporting

Also known as Herr Hans Schmidt, Herr Schmidt, burly Hans Schmidt

A German petty officer who becomes Albert's antagonist aboard the ship.

Von Spee

supporting

Also known as von Spee

German admiral commanding the East Asia Squadron, a historical figure in the plot.

Von Lutz

supporting

Also known as Captain von Lutz, Captain Lutz, Lutz

German captain of the warship that captures Albert.

Mr. Gold

supporting

Also known as Little Mr. Gold, Poor Mr. Gold, the heretical Mr. Gold

A civilian passenger on the German ship, often at odds with the crew.

Muller

supporting

Also known as Seaman Muller, the undisciplined Muller

A German seaman who befriends Albert during his captivity.

Zimmer

minor

Also known as Maschinistmaat Zimmer

A German engineering petty officer on the warship.

Mr. Deane

minor

A British naval officer and friend of Captain Samarez.

Penzance

minor

A British light cruiser involved in the naval action.

Charybdis

minor

Also known as the Charybdis

A British warship that plays a role in the climactic battle.

Leopard

minor

A German auxiliary cruiser that appears in the narrative.

Mrs. Rodgers

minor

A neighbor and friend of Agatha Brown in England.

Doctor Walters

minor

The local doctor who attends to Agatha and Albert.

Will

minor

Also known as Mr. Will

A young man from the village, a friend of Albert's youth.

Harry

minor

Also known as Ginger Harris, Ginger

A fellow seaman and friend of Albert in the Royal Navy.

Adeline Burton

minor

Also known as Burton

A young woman briefly romantically linked to Albert.

Admiral Samarez

minor

An older relative of Richard Samarez, mentioned in passing.

Evans

minor

Also known as young Evans

A young sailor serving under Captain Samarez.

Dickie

minor

A young boy from Albert's hometown.

George

minor

Also known as Mr. George

A crewman on the German ship, briefly noted.

Dad

minor

Albert's stepfather, a kind but ineffectual man.

Mother

minor

Albert's grandmother, mentioned in family context.

Admiral Sturdee

minor

Also known as Sturdee

British admiral commanding at the Battle of the Falklands.