Kensuke’s Kingdom characters

Appears from the start

An English schoolboy whose parents take him out of school for a voyage around the world aboard their yacht, the Peggy Sue. He keeps the ship's log, learns the routines of sailing, and takes his football and his dog, Stella Artois, with him. Curious and energetic, he finds the long stretches at sea both exciting and confining.

Appears from the start

Michael's father, who proposes a family voyage after the brickworks where he and Michael's mother work closes. He throws himself into learning to sail, buys the Peggy Sue, and approaches the journey with confidence and enthusiasm.

Appears from the start

Michael's practical and capable mother. Like her husband, she loses her job when the local brickworks closes and commits to the family's sailing adventure. She shares the work of navigating and handling the yacht while continuing Michael's lessons at sea.

Also known as Stella

Appears from the start

Michael's faithful sheepdog, named Stella Artois. She joins the family aboard the Peggy Sue and remains Michael's close companion throughout the voyage.

Appears from the start

Michael's school friend, left behind when the voyage begins. Michael promises to return and tell him about the journey, making him part of the frame through which the extraordinary adventure is remembered.

First appears in chapter 5

An elderly Japanese man living alone on the remote island where Michael is stranded. He supplies Michael and Stella with food and water but insists that parts of the island are forbidden and that no fire may be lit. Stern, resourceful, and fiercely protective of the place and its animals, he speaks limited English and regards the island as his kingdom.