The Sea-Wolf characters

Also known as Hump

Appears from the start

A San Francisco literary critic of comfortable means whose sheltered life has required little physical courage or practical labor. He is crossing the bay on the ferry Martinez when a collision in heavy fog throws him into the water.

First appears in chapter 2

The captain of the sealing schooner Ghost, a powerfully built man with an exceptionally sharp mind and an absolute command over his ship. He rescues Humphrey but refuses to return him to land, treating strength as the only dependable law.

Also known as Cooky

First appears in chapter 3

The Ghost's cook, a spiteful and ingratiating Cockney who becomes Humphrey's first overseer aboard ship. He takes advantage of anyone weaker than himself while becoming servile in the presence of Wolf Larsen.

First appears in chapter 3

The Ghost's first mate when Humphrey is brought aboard. A capable Norwegian seaman, he occupies the difficult position immediately below a captain who maintains discipline through fear.

First appears in chapter 6

An experienced sailor aboard the Ghost who quietly explains shipboard realities to Humphrey. His long familiarity with seal hunting and with Wolf Larsen makes him a useful source of practical advice.

First appears in chapter 6

A strong, independent sailor who resents Wolf Larsen's brutality. His refusal to accept arbitrary punishment places him in direct conflict with the captain.

First appears in chapter 6

A young sailor on the Ghost, quick-tempered and openly hostile to the violent authority exercised over the crew. He and Johnson become natural allies in resisting the captain.

First appears in chapter 10

One of the Ghost's seal hunters, part of the better-paid group that works from the schooner's small boats. Like the rest of the hunting party, he depends on the crew while remaining socially separate from it.

First appears in chapter 19

A poet and writer rescued at sea after another vessel is lost. Cultivated, self-possessed, and accustomed to earning her own living, she gives Humphrey an intellectual companion aboard the Ghost and immediately attracts Wolf Larsen's attention.

First appears in chapter 22

Wolf Larsen's brother and the captain of the rival sealing steamer Macedonia. He is a successful sealer with greater resources and a longstanding rivalry with Wolf.