Character guide

Tarzan

major

Also known as John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, Tarzan of the Apes, Man, Monsieur Tarzan

Ape-raised son of English nobles, becomes king of the jungle and discovers his heritage.

Jane Porter

major

Also known as Jane, Miss Jane, Miss Porter

American woman who captures Tarzan's heart, stranded in Africa with her father.

John Clayton

supporting

Also known as Clayton, Monsieur Clayton, young Clayton

English nobleman marooned on the African coast, father of Tarzan.

William Cecil Clayton

supporting

Also known as Mr. William Cecil Clayton, Cecil Clayton, Cecil, Mister Clayton

Cousin of Tarzan who inherits the Greystoke title and pursues Jane.

Lieutenant D'Arnot

supporting

Also known as D'Arnot, Paul d'Arnot, Paul, Paul D'Arnot

French naval officer rescued by Tarzan, becomes his loyal friend.

Professor Porter

supporting

Also known as Professor Archimedes Q. Porter, Porter, Professor

Eccentric archaeologist and father of Jane, stranded on the coast.

Samuel T. Philander

supporting

Also known as Mr. Philander, Philander, Skinny Philander, Skinny

Nervous, nearsighted assistant to Professor Porter.

Esmeralda

supporting

Also known as the still shrieking Esmeralda, poor Esmeralda, The ubiquitous Esmeralda

Jane Porter's loyal and excitable black maid.

Kerchak

supporting

Also known as old Kerchak the Ape, old Kerchak

Brutal king of the ape tribe who opposes Tarzan.

Kala

supporting

Also known as V The White Ape Tenderly Kala

She-ape who adopts and raises the infant Tarzan.

Robert Canler

supporting

Also known as Mr. Canler, Canler, Mr. Robert Canler

Wealthy suitor of Jane Porter, later revealed as villainous.

Terkoz

supporting

Also known as the redoubtable Terkoz

Vicious young ape who challenges Tarzan and kidnaps Jane.

Sabor

supporting

Also known as old Sabor, the crafty Sabor, mighty Sabor

Man-eating lioness who terrorizes the jungle.

Lady Alice

minor

Also known as Alice, the Lady Alice

Tarzan's mother, dies of grief after being marooned.

Tublat

minor

Also known as old Tublat

Kala's mate, a fierce ape who hates Tarzan.

Kulonga

minor

Son of Mbonga, killed by Tarzan in revenge for Kala's death.

Mbonga

minor

Also known as wise old Mbonga

Chief of the cannibal village in the jungle.

Black Michael

minor

Mutineer who sets the Claytons adrift.

Lieutenant Charpentier

minor

Also known as Charpentier

French officer wounded in a duel with Tarzan.

Captain Dufranne

minor

French naval captain who aids the search party.

Snipes

minor

Sailor on the ship that rescues the castaways.

Tantor

minor

Also known as Old Tantor

The elephant, a recurring jungle presence.

Numa

minor

Also known as the baffled Numa, Monsieur Numa, Madame Numa

The lion, a constant threat in the jungle.

Sheeta

minor

Also known as cruel Sheeta

The leopard, a dangerous jungle predator.

Gaberelle

minor

Also known as O Gaberelle

A French sailor who dies in the jungle.

Tarrant

minor

A sailor on the expedition to find the castaways.

Mirando

minor

A sailor on the ship that rescues the castaways.

Tobey

minor

A sailor on the ship that rescues the castaways.

Captain Billings

minor

Also known as Billings

Captain of the ship that rescues the castaways.

Reverend Mr. Tousley

minor

Also known as Mr. Tousley

A clergyman who appears briefly in the story.