Character guide

The Master

major

Also known as James Durie, the Master of Ballantrae, Mr. James, Jamie

The charismatic and ruthless elder son of the Durie family, presumed dead but returns.

Mr. Henry

major

Also known as Henry, Harry, Henry Durie, poor Mr. Henry

The younger, steady son of the Durie family, who inherits the estate in his brother's absence.

Mr. Mackellar

major

Also known as Mackellar, Ephraim Mackellar, the good Mackellar, dear Mr. Mackellar

The loyal and observant steward of the Durie family, who narrates much of the story.

Mrs. Henry

supporting

Also known as Alison Graeme, Miss Alison Graeme, Miss Graeme, Alison, Mrs. Durie

The beautiful and spirited wife of Mr. Henry, originally betrothed to the Master.

Secundra Dass

supporting

Also known as Secundra, Ask Secundra Dass

A mysterious Indian servant loyal to the Master, skilled in strange arts.

Colonel Burke

supporting

Also known as Francis Burke, Frank, Francis, the Chevalier de Burke, Chevalier Burke

An Irish Jacobite soldier and adventurer who accompanies the Master in exile.

John Mountain

supporting

Also known as Mountain, Mr. Mountain

A trader and guide in the American wilderness who aids the Master's party.

Captain Harris

minor

Also known as Harris, Mr. Harris, this Harris

A ruthless pirate captain who captures the Master and Burke at sea.

Teach

minor

Also known as Master Teach

The infamous pirate Blackbeard, encountered by the Master during his wanderings.

Sir William Johnson

minor

Also known as Sir William, William

A British colonial official in New York who interacts with the Master.

Hastie

minor

A servant or retainer at Durrisdeer, involved in the household events.

Captain Crail

minor

Also known as Crail

A ship captain who transports the Master and others during the story.

Dutton

minor

A sailor or crew member on one of the ships in the narrative.

The Colonel

minor

A military officer encountered during the Master's adventures in India.

Lord Durrisdeer

minor

Also known as Durrisdeer

The elderly father of the Master and Mr. Henry, head of the Durie family.

John Paul

minor

Also known as John

A servant at Durrisdeer, often involved in household affairs.

Jessie Broun

minor

Also known as Jess, Jessie

A local woman with a connection to the Master, causing scandal.

Mr. Bally

minor

A lawyer or agent involved in the Durie family's legal matters.

Alexander

minor

Also known as Mr. Alexander

A young relative or acquaintance of the Durie family.

Macconochie

minor

A servant or retainer at Durrisdeer, often mentioned in passing.

Mr. Carlyle

minor

Also known as Carlyle

A merchant or business contact of the Durie family.

Mr. Johnstone Thomson

minor

Also known as Mr. Thomson, Johnstone Thomson

A lawyer or legal figure involved in the Durie estate.

Mr. Stewart

minor

Also known as Stewart

A local gentleman or associate of the Durie family.

Miss Katharine Durie

minor

Also known as the Honourable Miss Katharine Durie, innocent Miss Katharine, poor neglected Miss Katharine

A neglected female relative of the Durie family, living at Durrisdeer.

Sarah

minor

Also known as the Sarah

A ship name personified or a minor female character.

Jacob Chew

minor

Also known as Mr. Jacob Chew, Chew

A trader or settler encountered in the American wilderness.

Tam Macmorland

minor

Also known as Tam

A local man from the Scottish countryside near Durrisdeer.

Wully White

minor

Also known as Wully White the wabster, Wully

A weaver and local character in the Durrisdeer area.

Peter M'Brair

minor

Also known as old Peter M'Brair, old Peter, Peter

An elderly local man known to the Durie family.

Pinkerton

minor

A servant or minor functionary at Durrisdeer.

Patey Macmorland

minor

A local man, possibly related to Tam Macmorland.

Alan Black Stewart

minor

Also known as Alan Black, Stewart

A Jacobite supporter and acquaintance of the Master.

Grady

minor

A sailor or pirate encountered during the Master's sea adventures.