# Five Weeks in a Balloon — Character guide

> Key figures in Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne.

- [Joe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/joe.md): Dr. Ferguson's loyal and resourceful servant, who accompanies the balloon expedition.
- [Dr. Samuel Ferguson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/samuel_ferguson.md): The brilliant inventor and explorer who leads the balloon voyage across Africa.
- [Dick Kennedy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/dick_kennedy.md): Dr. Ferguson's brave and skeptical Scottish friend who joins the expedition.
- [Victoria](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/victoria_balloon.md): The specially designed balloon that carries the explorers across Africa.
- [Dr. Barth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/dr_barth.md): A real-life explorer referenced as a prior traveler in the regions visited.
- [Captain Speke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/captain_speke.md): Historical explorer mentioned in discussions of African geography.
- [Captain Bennett](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/captain_bennett.md): A captain who assists the explorers at the start of their journey.
- [Major Denham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/major_denham.md): Historical explorer mentioned in the context of African exploration.
- [James Bruce](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/james_bruce.md): Historical Scottish explorer of Africa, referenced in the narrative.
- [The Scot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/the_scot.md): A nickname for Dick Kennedy, emphasizing his Scottish heritage.
- [Maizan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/maizan.md): A French explorer whose fate is discussed by the characters.
- [Captain Burton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/captain_burton.md): Historical explorer mentioned in conversations about African travel.
- [Mungo Park](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/mungo_park.md): Famous Scottish explorer of the Niger River, referenced historically.
- [Guillaume Lejean](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/guillaume_lejean.md): A French explorer mentioned in the context of African geography.
- [Major Laing](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/major_laing.md): Historical explorer of the Sahara, referenced in the narrative.
- [Richardson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/richardson.md): An English explorer mentioned in discussions of African travel.
- [Charles Beke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/charles_beke.md): A geographer and explorer referenced in the book's discussions.
- [Overweg](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/overweg.md): A German explorer mentioned in the context of African exploration.
- [John Petherick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/john_petherick.md): A British explorer and consul referenced in the narrative.
- [Callié](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/callie.md): A French explorer who visited Timbuktu, mentioned in the book.
- [Al-Hadji](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/al_hadji.md): A Muslim title used for a traveler, mentioned in passing.
- [Herr Petermann](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/herr_petermann.md): A German geographer referenced in the book's discussions.
- [Andrea Debono](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/andrea_debono.md): An Italian explorer mentioned in the context of the Nile.
- [M. de Heuglin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/m_de_heuglin.md): A German explorer referenced in the narrative.
- [Robert Adams](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/robert_adams.md): An American sailor who claimed to have visited Timbuktu.
- [Dr. Oudney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/dr_oudney.md): A Scottish explorer of Africa, mentioned in the book.
- [Captain Clapperton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/captain_clapperton.md): A British explorer of West Africa, referenced historically.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters