Character guide

Wolf Larsen

major

Also known as Larsen, the Wolf, Mr. Wolf Larsen

Brutal, intellectual captain of the Ghost who dominates the crew and challenges the narrator.

Humphrey Van Weyden

major

Also known as Hump, Van Weyden, Mr. Van Weyden, Sissy Van Weyden

Refined literary critic forced into servitude on the Ghost, who adapts and grows stronger.

Maud Brewster

major

Also known as Miss Brewster

Intelligent, courageous poet rescued from a wreck; becomes Humphrey's ally and love interest.

Thomas Mugridge

supporting

Also known as Mugridge, Tommy, Cooky, Mr. Mugridge, the Cockney

Obsequious, cowardly cook who schemes against the narrator but is ultimately broken.

Johnson

supporting

Also known as Mr. Johnson, the sailor Johnson

Strong, principled sailor who defies Wolf Larsen and suffers brutal punishment.

George Leach

supporting

Also known as Leach

Defiant sailor who leads a mutinous spirit against Wolf Larsen's tyranny.

Louis

supporting

Also known as old fat Louis, fat Louis

Fat, superstitious sailor who provides comic relief and folk wisdom.

Johansen

supporting

Also known as poor Johansen

First mate who enforces Wolf Larsen's orders with violence, later killed.

Harrison

minor

Also known as Harris

Sailor who attempts to escape the Ghost with Leach and Johnson.

Death Larsen

supporting

Also known as Larsen, Captain Larsen

Wolf Larsen's brother and rival captain of the Macedonia.

Kerfoot

minor

Hunter on the Ghost who participates in seal hunts.

Henderson

minor

Hunter on the Ghost, killed during a storm.

Jock Horner

minor

Also known as Horner

Hunter on the Ghost, known for his skill and quiet demeanor.

Nilson

minor

Hunter on the Ghost, dies from illness.

Latimer

minor

Hunter on the Ghost, survives the voyage.

Oofty-Oofty

minor

Also known as Oofty

Kanaka sailor known for his strength and exotic appearance.

Smoke

minor

Sailor on the Ghost, involved in the mutiny plot.

Kelly

minor

Also known as one Kelly

Irish sailor on the Ghost, often grumbling.

Standish

minor

Also known as the hunter Standish

Hunter on the Ghost, dies during the voyage.

Yonson

minor

Also known as Mr. Yonson

Swedish sailor who is brutally beaten by Wolf Larsen.

Matt McCarthy

minor

Also known as McCarthy

Sailor who briefly appears in the forecastle.

Winters

minor

Sailor on the Ghost, mentioned in passing.

Parsons

minor

Sailor on the Ghost, part of the crew.

Charley Furuseth

minor

Also known as Furuseth

Humphrey's friend who introduces him to the sea voyage.