Character guide

Captain Whalley

major

Also known as Whalley, poor Whalley, Harry Whalley, Henry Whalley, Daredevil Harry Whalley

An aging, proud sea captain struggling to secure his daughter's future.

Mr. Massy

major

Also known as Massy, that Massy

The greedy, scheming engineer and part-owner of the Sofala.

Mr. Van Wyk

supporting

Also known as Van Wyk, XII Mr. Van Wyk

A wealthy, reclusive planter who becomes entangled in the Sofala's fate.

Mr. Sterne

supporting

Also known as Sterne, XI Sterne

A cunning, ambitious chief mate on the Sofala.

the Serang

supporting

Also known as Serang, the barefooted Serang

The loyal, silent Malay boatswain of the Sofala.

Captain Eliott

minor

Also known as Eliott, Ned Eliott, Ned, the pleasant jolly Ned Eliott

A jovial, respected harbor master and old friend of Whalley.

Jack

minor

Also known as the faithful Jack

A loyal, unnamed servant or crewman on the Sofala.

Captain Provost

minor

A fellow sea captain and acquaintance of Whalley.

Mr. Denham

minor

A minor official or shipowner in the port community.

Tuan

minor

A respectful title used for European gentlemen, often referring to Van Wyk.

Ivy

supporting

Also known as Captain Whalley's daughter

Whalley's beloved daughter, for whom he sacrifices everything.

Charley

minor

Also known as Paunchy Charley, Poor Charley

A portly, good-natured friend of Whalley's youth.

old Swinburne

minor

An elderly, retired seaman known to Whalley.

Mrs. Gardner

minor

Also known as Gardner

A widow and landlady in the port town.

Evans

minor

Also known as poor Evans

A former shipmate of Whalley, now deceased.

Sir Frederick

minor

A colonial official or wealthy patron mentioned in passing.