Dec 30, 2009

Outpost of Progress | Characters

The cast of characters in "Outpost of Progress" seem limited, but as is frequently the case in Conrad's shorter fiction, several members of the cast have more significant roles than appear at first. The central focus is of course on the two white men who are newly appointed to operate the isolated station, and their deterioration during eight months in the African bush, with no company except themselves and the African natives they work with. However, at least two of the Africans are also effectively characterized.

Of the two white agents, Kayerts is the older and stronger of the...