Character guide

Jim

major

Also known as Tuan Jim, Master Jim, Mr. James, Jimmy, James, Lord Jim

A young British seaman seeking redemption after a scandalous abandonment of his ship.

Marlow

major

Also known as Captain Marlow

The reflective narrator who pieces together Jim's story from various accounts.

Gentleman Brown

supporting

Also known as Brown, the dying Brown, the besieged Brown, All Brown, Captain Brown

A ruthless pirate whose arrival in Patusan triggers Jim's final crisis.

Stein

supporting

Also known as Mr. Stein, This Stein

A wise and wealthy trader who becomes Jim's mentor and benefactor.

Cornelius

supporting

Also known as Mr. Cornelius, The respectable Cornelius

A scheming, cowardly trader who resents Jim's influence in Patusan.

Jewel

supporting

Also known as the girl

Jim's devoted lover, the daughter of Cornelius and a Malay woman.

Doramin

supporting

Also known as old Doramin, the impassive old Doramin, O Doramin

The powerful Bugis chief who becomes Jim's ally and father figure in Patusan.

Dain Waris

supporting

Also known as Waris, Dain Waris Panglima, The Panglima

Doramin's brave son and Jim's closest friend in Patusan.

Tamb' Itam

supporting

Also known as Tamb, Itam, Meantime Tamb ' Itam, Tambt' Itam

Jim's loyal Malay servant who accompanies him to Patusan.

Tunku Allang

supporting

Also known as Rajah Allang, Mr. Rajah Allang, the Rajah, Wretched old Allang, old Tunku Allang

The corrupt and greedy Malay rajah of Patusan.

Kassim

supporting

Also known as That long-legged old scoundrel Kassim, Meantime Kassim

A cunning and treacherous Malay chief who plots against Jim.

Brierly

minor

Also known as Big Brierly, poor Captain Brierly, Captain Brierly, the late Captain Brierly, Montague Brierly

A successful sea captain who serves on the inquiry into Jim's Patna case.

Chester

minor

A cynical old seaman who proposes a shady business scheme to Jim.

Captain Robinson

minor

Also known as Ask Captain Robinson, Robinson, the notorious Robinson, Old Robinson, The notorious Robinson

A disreputable old sea captain associated with Chester's scheme.

Sherif Ali

minor

Also known as the Sherif, Sherif

A fanatical Arab leader who challenges Doramin's rule in Patusan.

Archie Ruthvel

minor

Also known as Ruthvel, Archie

The principal shipping-master who interviews Jim after the Patna incident.

Captain Elliot

minor

Also known as Old father Elliot

The harbor-master who assists with the Patna inquiry.

Alexander M'Neil

minor

Also known as Alexander M'Neil—and Jim

A Scottish trader who briefly employs Jim in the Far East.

Egström

minor

Also known as Egstr√ґm

A ship-chandler who helps Jim find work after the Patna affair.

Blake

minor

Also known as Egström & Blake

Egström's business partner in the ship-chandlery.

Mr. Jones

minor

Also known as old Jones, Jones

A minor official or acquaintance encountered during Jim's wanderings.

Mariani

minor

A trader who provides Jim with passage and introductions.

Schomberg

minor

A gossipy hotel-keeper in the Eastern port towns.

Little Bob Stanton

minor

Also known as Bob, Charley

A brave but unlucky sailor mentioned in Marlow's anecdotes.

De Jongh

minor

A Dutch trader or shipmaster mentioned in passing.

George

minor

A sailor who dies during the Patna voyage.

Bullock

minor

A minor character encountered in the Eastern ports.

Mr. Symons

minor

Also known as old Symons, Old Symons

An old sailor who shares stories with Marlow.