Drums (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

Squire John Fraser, a North Carolina planter, a strict but kind Scotsman determined to educate his son as a gentleman.

Caroline Fraser, his wife.

John Fraser, their son. Educated in Edenton, he returns to his inland farm home when British authority is overthrown in the coastal town. Sent to England on business by his father, he becomes a clerk for an importing firm. He does a favor for Paul Jones (whom he had met at Wylie Jones’s home) and later signs as a sailor on Jones’s ship when he raids the Scottish coast. John is wounded in a sea battle and, still feverish, he sails for home on a Dutch ship. At first rejected for the militia, he is later accepted and is wounded in a skirmish. No longer a fighter, John rejoices to learn that the British have been defeated.

Sir Nat Dukinfield, a young sportsman and John’s friend. He is killed in a tavern brawl while visiting John in a French port.

Captain Tennant, collector of the port at Edenton.

Eve Tennant, his daughter, a coquette who becomes interested in John.

Wylie Jones, a plantation owner who promotes the North Carolina rebellion against the British.

Paul Jones, an adventurous Scottish sailor who takes Wylie Jones’s last name and becomes a raiding captain in the American Navy.

Sally Merrillee, John’s childhood playmate, a neighbor of the Frasers. She and John fall in love.

James Merrillee, Sally’s father, killed in the war. For a time, John manages the Merrillee farm.

Dr. Clapton, an English clergyman who tutors John in Edenton.

Captain Flood, John’s friend, a riverboat skipper who takes him up river to Halifax.

Plain Clothes Hewes, a shipbuilder.

Teague Battle, a young lawyer.

Master Hal Cherry, a repulsive rich boy.

General Nathanael Greene, a victorious American commander.