Character guide

Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson

major

Also known as Jaspar Hobson, Lieutenant Hobson, the Lieutenant, Hobson, Jaspar, Lieutenant, Jasper Hobson, Mr. Hobson

Leader of the expedition to build Fort Hope on the Arctic coast.

Mrs. Paulina Barnett

major

Also known as Paulina Barnett, Mrs. Barnett, Paulina, Mrs. Paulina Barnett, Sabine, Mrs. Paulina Barnett of Sabine

A spirited traveler and writer who accompanies the expedition.

Sergeant Long

supporting

Also known as Marbre, Long, Sergeant Long, the brave Sergeant, Poor Long

A loyal and resourceful sergeant under Hobson's command.

Kalumah

supporting

Also known as little Kalumah, Poor Kalumah

A young Eskimo woman who becomes a key helper and friend.

Thomas Black

supporting

Also known as Black, poor Black, Mr. Black, Poor Mr. Black

An astronomer obsessed with observing a solar eclipse.

Madge

supporting

Also known as poor Madge, the faithful Madge, Poor Madge

Mrs. Barnett's devoted maid and companion.

Mac-Nab

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Mac-Nab, little Michael Mac-Nab, Michael Mac-Nab, the carpenter Mac-Nab

The expedition's carpenter and his wife.

Corporal Joliffe

supporting

Also known as Joliffe, Corporal, the imprudent Corporal Joliffe

A superstitious and talkative corporal in the party.

Mrs. Joliffe

supporting

Also known as Rae, Mrs. Rae, Mrs. Rae Mrs. Joliffe, little Mrs. Joliffe, poor Mrs. Joliffe

Corporal Joliffe's wife, a gossipy and anxious woman.

Captain Craventy

minor

Also known as the Captain

Commanding officer at Fort Reliance who dispatches the expedition.

Captain Kellet

minor

Also known as Kellet, And Kellet

A naval officer mentioned in the narrative.

Norman

minor

Also known as old Norman

An old servant at Fort Reliance.

Sergeant Felton

minor

Also known as Felton, Sergeant

A sergeant in the expedition party.

Michael Hope

minor

Also known as little Michael

A young boy, son of Mac-Nab.

Petersen

minor

A Danish explorer mentioned in the narrative.

The Eskimo

minor

Also known as Eskimo, the young Eskimo

A generic Eskimo character encountered during the journey.

The Stranger

minor

A mysterious figure who appears late in the story.