Master and Commander characters

Appears from the start

A Royal Navy lieutenant on shore at Port Mahon, eager for employment and deeply responsive to music. His promotion to command the sloop Sophie gives him his first independent command. He is a bold seaman and fighting officer, sociable and confident afloat, though less sure in matters of money and influence.

Also known as Dr Maturin

Appears from the start

An impoverished physician and natural philosopher whom Jack meets at a concert in Port Mahon. Irish and Catalan by descent, he is learned, sharp-eyed, and almost wholly ignorant of naval custom. Jack's offer of the Sophie's surgeoncy gives him both employment and a new companion.

First appears in chapter 2

The Sophie's first lieutenant, an experienced officer whom Stephen knew during the Irish rising. His divided Irish and naval loyalties make him reserved, while his professional ability makes him indispensable to a newly appointed commander.

First appears in chapter 2

The master of the Sophie, responsible for navigation and the practical handling of the vessel. He is an experienced warrant officer whose knowledge helps Jack turn a small, neglected sloop into an efficient command.

First appears in chapter 3

A capable young master's mate in the Sophie. Steady, willing, and keen for advancement, he becomes one of the officers Jack can trust with demanding work.

First appears in chapter 3

One of the Sophie's very young midshipmen. His age and appetite for mischief contrast with the real responsibility placed on junior officers in a fighting ship.

First appears in chapter 3

A poetical young midshipman serving in the Sophie. He belongs to the group of junior officers whom Jack drills into a more disciplined ship's company.

First appears in chapter 3

A powerful, dependable seaman who serves as Jack's coxswain. His strength and composure make him especially valuable in boats and close action.

First appears in chapter 3

Jack's personal steward, protective of his captain's comfort and possessions. His blunt manner and resistance to outsiders are already part of the small domestic world surrounding Jack aboard ship.

Appears from the start

The senior naval authority at Port Mahon and Jack's superior. He gives Jack the Sophie, but his patronage is complicated by personal resentment and the power he holds over assignments, prizes, and promotion.

Also known as Mrs Harte

Appears from the start

Admiral Harte's wife and Jack's lover at Port Mahon. Their affair makes Jack's professional dependence on the admiral personally dangerous.

First appears in chapter 18

A French naval captain and an old acquaintance of Stephen's. When his squadron meets the outmatched Sophie, his courtesy does not alter his duty to take possession of an enemy vessel.