Character guide

Narrator

major

Also known as me, I, myself

The unnamed first-person narrator, a sailor who escapes his ship and lives among the Typee.

Toby

major

Also known as Poor Toby, Toby mukee moee, Toby owlee pemi

The narrator's shipmate and companion during their escape into the Typee valley.

Mehevi

major

Also known as King Mehevi, the chief Mehevi, the intrepid Mehevi

The powerful chief of the Typee tribe who becomes the narrator's host and protector.

Fayaway

major

Also known as young Fayaway, Miss Fayaway, poor dear Fayaway

A beautiful Typee maiden who forms a close bond with the narrator.

Marheyo

supporting

Also known as old Marheyo, the venerable Marheyo, Old Marheyo

An elderly Typee man who hosts the narrator in his home.

Marnoo

supporting

Also known as Marnoo pemi, this Marnoo

A handsome, tattooed native who travels freely between hostile tribes.

Kory-Kory

supporting

Also known as Kory, Kory - Kory

The narrator's devoted Typee attendant and servant.

Herman Melville

minor

Also known as Melville, Mr. Melville, Herman

The author, referenced in the introduction and framing material.

Tommo

minor

Also known as Tommo

The narrator's name used by the Typee natives.

Karakoee

minor

A native who helps negotiate the narrator's release.

Tinor

minor

Also known as Old Tinor

Marheyo's wife and the matron of the household.

Kolory

minor

A Typee warrior and companion to the narrator.

Mow-Mow

minor

A hostile Typee warrior who threatens the narrator's escape.

Mowanna

minor

Also known as King Mowanna

The king of Nukuheva, a rival to the Typee.

Captain

minor

Also known as the captain, our worthy captain

The captain of the whaling ship Dolly.

Jack Lewis

minor

Also known as bold Jack, Jack

A sailor on the Dolly who warns the narrator about the captain.

Narmonee

minor

Also known as the acute Narmonee

A Typee man known for his intelligence and wit.

Karky

minor

The Typee tattoo artist.

Moa Artua

minor

A young Typee chief or priest.

Pueearka Kanaka

minor

Also known as the Kanaka

A native from another island who assists the narrator.

Ruaruga

minor

A Typee man who performs a ceremonial dance.

Naranee

minor

Also known as Narnee

A Typee woman, possibly Marheyo's daughter.

Fitz-James O'Brien

minor

Also known as Jimmy, this Jimmy

A friend of Melville mentioned in the introduction.

Allan Melville

minor

Also known as Allan, Melville

Herman Melville's brother, mentioned in correspondence.

John Murray

minor

Also known as Murray

Melville's publisher in London.

Putnam

minor

Melville's publisher in New York.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

minor

Also known as Mr. Hawthorne, Hawthorne

Author and friend of Melville, referenced in the introduction.

Gansevoort Melville

minor

Also known as Gansevoort, Melville

Herman Melville's older brother.

Dr. Titus Munson Coan

minor

Also known as Dr. Coan

A friend and correspondent of Melville.

Mr. Charles Henry Webb

minor

A literary figure mentioned in the introduction.

Mr. W. Clark Russell

minor

Also known as Mr. Russell, W. Clark Russell

A maritime author referenced in the introduction.

Mr. J. E. A. Smith

minor

Also known as Mr. Smith

A friend of Melville mentioned in the introduction.

Rear Admiral Du Petit Thouars

minor

Also known as Du Petit Thouars

French naval commander who took possession of the Marquesas.

Captain Porter

minor

Also known as Porter, the adventurous Captain Porter

American naval captain who visited the Marquesas earlier.

Captain Cook

minor

Also known as Cook, Captain Cook

British explorer referenced in the narrative.

Carteret

minor

British explorer referenced in the narrative.

Pedro

minor

A sailor on the Dolly.

Stewart

minor

A sailor on the Dolly.

Pop

minor

A sailor on the Dolly.