Kidnapped (AmazonClassics Edition) characters

Appears from the start

A recently orphaned seventeen-year-old from rural Scotland who sets out to seek his fortune carrying a sealed letter from his late father. Educated, principled, and inexperienced beyond his home district, David narrates the dangers that follow his arrival at the House of Shaws.

Appears from the start

The minister of Essendean and a trusted friend of David's late father. He gives David practical advice, a little money, and the letter that directs him to the House of Shaws and his surviving relative.

First appears in chapter 2

David's miserly uncle, living alone in the unfinished and decaying House of Shaws. Suspicious and evasive about the family history, he receives his nephew grudgingly and appears alarmed by the young man's claim on the Balfour name.

First appears in chapter 5

A mistreated cabin boy from the brig Covenant who runs messages for its officers. Young, frightened, and eager for kindness, he helps guide David around Queensferry before the ship sails.

First appears in chapter 6

The master and part-owner of the Covenant, outwardly pious but willing to trade in kidnapped people for profit. He lures David aboard and carries him away with plans to sell his labor in the American colonies.

First appears in chapter 7

The Covenant's first mate, a capable sailor whose violent temper becomes especially dangerous when he drinks. His abuse of the cabin boy shows David the brutality tolerated aboard the brig.

First appears in chapter 7

The Covenant's second mate. More humane toward David than the captain or first mate, he recognizes the danger posed by Shuan and gives David occasional protection without openly opposing the voyage.

Also known as Alan Breck

First appears in chapter 9

A Highland Jacobite soldier and skilled swordsman rescued from a boat struck by the Covenant. He is carrying money for his exiled clan chief and combines fierce personal pride with quick wit, courage, and deep loyalty to the Stewart cause.

Also known as The Red Fox

First appears in chapter 12

The royal official responsible for managing forfeited Highland estates in Appin. A Campbell and an enemy of the local Jacobites, he is widely resented for carrying out evictions and weakening the traditional authority of the Stewart chiefs.

Also known as James of the Glens

First appears in chapter 16

A leading Stewart clansman in Appin and a kinsman of Alan. With the clan chief in exile, he helps channel rent money to him and bears the pressure created by Campbell control of the forfeited estate.

First appears in chapter 23

The fugitive chief of Clan Macpherson, living with followers in a concealed refuge. He gives Alan and David shelter during their flight, though his enthusiasm for gambling creates new tension between the friends.

First appears in chapter 27

A lawyer familiar with the Balfour family history. Intelligent, discreet, and fair-minded, he listens to David's account and confirms that the dispute over the House of Shaws can be resolved through evidence rather than force.