Five Weeks in a Balloon · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne.
Joe
major
Also known as Joseph Wilson, poor Joe
Dr. Ferguson's loyal and resourceful servant, who accompanies the balloon expedition.
Dr. Samuel Ferguson
major
Also known as Samuel Ferguson, Dr. Ferguson, Ferguson, Doctor Ferguson
The brilliant inventor and explorer who leads the balloon voyage across Africa.
Dick Kennedy
major
Also known as Kennedy, friend Kennedy, the stubborn Kennedy
Dr. Ferguson's brave and skeptical Scottish friend who joins the expedition.
Victoria
supporting
Also known as the Victoria, The Victoria
The specially designed balloon that carries the explorers across Africa.
Dr. Barth
minor
Also known as Barth
A real-life explorer referenced as a prior traveler in the regions visited.
Captain Speke
minor
Also known as Speke, Lieutenant Speke
Historical explorer mentioned in discussions of African geography.
Captain Bennett
minor
Also known as Bennet, Captain Bennet
A captain who assists the explorers at the start of their journey.
Major Denham
minor
Also known as Denham
Historical explorer mentioned in the context of African exploration.
James Bruce
minor
Also known as Bruce
Historical Scottish explorer of Africa, referenced in the narrative.
The Scot
minor
Also known as the gallant Scot, the canny Scot
A nickname for Dick Kennedy, emphasizing his Scottish heritage.
Maizan
minor
Also known as the Frenchman Maizan
A French explorer whose fate is discussed by the characters.
Captain Burton
minor
Also known as Burton, Lieutenants Burton
Historical explorer mentioned in conversations about African travel.
Mungo Park
minor
Famous Scottish explorer of the Niger River, referenced historically.
Guillaume Lejean
minor
Also known as Lejean, M. Guillaume Lejean
A French explorer mentioned in the context of African geography.
Major Laing
minor
Historical explorer of the Sahara, referenced in the narrative.
Richardson
minor
Also known as the Englishman Richardson
An English explorer mentioned in discussions of African travel.
Charles Beke
minor
A geographer and explorer referenced in the book's discussions.
Overweg
minor
A German explorer mentioned in the context of African exploration.
John Petherick
minor
Also known as Petherick
A British explorer and consul referenced in the narrative.
Callié
minor
A French explorer who visited Timbuktu, mentioned in the book.
Al-Hadji
minor
Also known as al - Hadji
A Muslim title used for a traveler, mentioned in passing.
Herr Petermann
minor
Also known as Petermann
A German geographer referenced in the book's discussions.
Andrea Debono
minor
Also known as Andrea, Debono
An Italian explorer mentioned in the context of the Nile.
M. de Heuglin
minor
A German explorer referenced in the narrative.
Robert Adams
minor
Also known as Adams, Lambert
An American sailor who claimed to have visited Timbuktu.
Dr. Oudney
minor
Also known as Oudney
A Scottish explorer of Africa, mentioned in the book.
Captain Clapperton
minor
Also known as Clapperton
A British explorer of West Africa, referenced historically.
