Character guide

Richard Henry Dana Jr.

major

Also known as I, me, my, mine, myself

The narrator and protagonist, a young Harvard student who ships as a common sailor.

Captain Thompson

major

Also known as the captain, Captain T⸺

The stern captain of the Pilgrim, who commands with strict discipline.

Tom Harris

supporting

Also known as Tom, Harris

A fellow sailor and friend of the narrator, often working alongside him.

Mr. F⸺

supporting

Also known as F⸺

The first mate of the Pilgrim, a harsh and experienced officer.

John (French John)

supporting

Also known as French John

A French sailor on the Pilgrim, known for his strength and skill.

Mr. Russell

supporting

Also known as Russell

The second mate of the Pilgrim, a competent but less severe officer.

George Ballmer

supporting

Also known as George

A young sailor on the Pilgrim, often in trouble with the captain.

Captain Faucon

supporting

Also known as Faucon

Captain of the Ayacucho, a friendly and generous shipmaster.

Nicholas

supporting

A Sandwich Islander sailor on the Pilgrim, known for his good nature.

Johnny Shark

supporting

Also known as Jack, Johnny

A Hawaiian sailor on the Pilgrim, often called by his nickname.

Don Juan Bandini

supporting

Also known as Don Juan, Bandini, The Don

A prominent Californio ranchero and local aristocrat.

Mr. S⸺

supporting

Also known as S⸺

The third mate of the Pilgrim, a young officer learning his trade.

George P. Marsh

supporting

Also known as George Marsh

A sailor on the Pilgrim, later becomes a close friend of the narrator.

Foster

minor

Also known as Poor Foster

An unlucky sailor on the Pilgrim, often the butt of jokes.

Sam

supporting

Also known as Uncle Sam

An old, experienced sailor on the Pilgrim, respected by the crew.

Old Wilson

supporting

Also known as Wilson, Captain Wilson

An elderly sailor and later captain of a small vessel in California.

Mr. Brown

minor

Also known as Mr. Richard Brown

A passenger on the Pilgrim, traveling to California for business.

Nat Ames

supporting

Also known as Nathaniel Ames

A young sailor from Boston, a friend of the narrator.

Chips

minor

Also known as Poor Chips

The ship's carpenter on the Pilgrim, a skilled but quiet man.

Ben (English Ben)

minor

Also known as English Ben

An English sailor on the Pilgrim, known for his strength.

Jack (of the Lagoda)

minor

Also known as Johnny, Lagoda Jack

A sailor from the ship Lagoda, met in San Diego.

Captain Nye

minor

Also known as Nye

Captain of the Loriotte, a small trading vessel.

Tom Davis

minor

Also known as Tom

A sailor on the Pilgrim, a steady and reliable hand.

Captain Job Terry

minor

Also known as Job Terry, Captain Terry

Captain of a whaling ship, met in the Pacific.

Bess

minor

A Hawaiian woman, wife of a sailor, living in California.

Mr. Bingham

minor

Also known as Old Mr. Bingham

A missionary in the Sandwich Islands, met briefly.

Old Schmidt

minor

Also known as Schmidt

An old German sailor on the Pilgrim, a skilled rigger.

Hope

minor

Also known as Poor Hope

A Hawaiian sailor who dies during the voyage.

Sails

minor

The sailmaker on the Pilgrim, an old and experienced hand.

Bill Jackson

minor

Also known as Bill, Jackson, Old Bill

A sailor on the Pilgrim, known for his rough humor.

Mr. N⸺

minor

A passenger on the Pilgrim, a businessman from Boston.

Harry Bennett

minor

Also known as Bennett

A young sailor on the Pilgrim, a friend of the narrator.

John Gilpin

minor

Also known as John

A sailor on the Pilgrim, known for his singing.

Captain Arthur

minor

Captain of a ship met in San Francisco.

Jack Crosstree

minor

Also known as Jack

A sailor on the Pilgrim, a tough and experienced hand.

Harry Bluff

minor

Also known as Harris

A sailor on the Pilgrim, a young and eager crewman.

Neptune

minor

The ship's dog on the Pilgrim, a beloved mascot.

Mr. Mannini

minor

A Sandwich Islander who serves as an interpreter.

Welly

minor

A Hawaiian sailor on the Pilgrim, a quiet and hard worker.

Rosa

minor

A ship met in California, mentioned in passing.

Donna Angustia

minor

Also known as Doña Augustia

A Californio woman, wife of Don Juan Bandini.

John Yount

minor

A sailor on the Pilgrim, known for his strength.

Captain Low

minor

Captain of a ship trading along the California coast.

Mr. Robinson

minor

Also known as Mr. Alfred Robinson

A passenger on the Pilgrim, a merchant from Boston.

Jim Hall

minor

Also known as Jim

A sailor on the Pilgrim, a friend of the narrator.

Captain Bradshaw

minor

Also known as Bradshaw

Captain of a ship met in San Diego.

Don Pablo de la Guerra

minor

A Californio official and ranchero.

Henry Mellus

minor

A sailor on the Pilgrim, later a merchant in California.

Mr. R⸺

minor

A passenger on the Pilgrim, a businessman.

Tom Cringle

minor

Also known as Tom

A sailor on the Pilgrim, a young and lively hand.

Don Andres

minor

A Californio ranchero, friend of Don Juan Bandini.

Evans

minor

A sailor on the Pilgrim, a quiet and reliable hand.