The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano.
Olaudah Equiano
major
Also known as Gustavus Vassa, the said Gustavus Vassa, the aforesaid Gustavus Vassa, Mr. Gustavus Vassa, Olaudah
The narrator and protagonist, an African man enslaved and later freed, who becomes an abolitionist.
Captain Pascal
supporting
Also known as Capt . Pascal, my captain, my Captain
Equiano's first master in the Royal Navy, who later sells him despite promises of freedom.
Robert King
supporting
Also known as one Mr. Robert King, Mr. King, Robert, the abovesaid Robert King
A Quaker merchant who becomes Equiano's master in the West Indies and allows him to buy his freedom.
Dr. Charles Irving
supporting
Also known as Dr. Charles Irving, Charles Irving, Doctor Irving, the celebrated Doctor Irving
A physician and scientist who employs Equiano on expeditions and becomes a friend.
Captain James Doran
minor
Also known as Captain James Doran, Captain Doran
A slave ship captain who treats Equiano harshly during his Middle Passage voyage.
Mr. Read
minor
Also known as Mr. Read
A white sailor who teaches Equiano navigation and treats him kindly.
Dick
minor
Also known as Dick
A fellow enslaved boy and friend of Equiano during his time in England.
Mr. Mondle
minor
Also known as Mr. Mondle
A white man who briefly employs Equiano in the West Indies.
Miss Guerin
minor
Also known as Miss Guerin
A kind woman who helps Equiano learn to read and write in England.
John Annis
minor
Also known as John Annis, John
A free Black man kidnapped into slavery, whose case Equiano tries to help.
Captain Thomas Farmer
minor
Also known as Captain Thomas Farmer
A captain who employs Equiano on a voyage to the Arctic.
Daniel Queen
minor
Also known as Daniel Queen, the Indian Queen, Queen
An Indigenous woman who assists Equiano during his travels in Central America.
Captain Baker
minor
Also known as Captain Baker, Baker
A slave ship captain who transports Equiano from Africa.
Mr. James Tobin
minor
Also known as Mr. James Tobin, Mr. Tobin
A planter and pro-slavery advocate who debates Equiano.
Captain George Balfour
minor
Also known as Captain George Balfour, Captain Balfour
A captain who commands a ship on which Equiano serves.
Reverend Mr. Romaine
minor
Also known as the Reverend Mr. Romaine
A clergyman who influences Equiano's religious conversion.
Admiral Boscawen
minor
Also known as Admiral Boscawen, Boscawen
A British naval officer under whom Equiano serves briefly.
Captain Phillips
minor
Also known as Captain Phillips
A captain of a slave ship who buys Equiano in Africa.
Mat Macnamara
minor
Also known as Mat, Matt Macnamara
A sailor who befriends Equiano during his voyages.
One Owden
minor
Also known as One Owden
A person mentioned in passing during Equiano's travels.
