Phileas Fogg

Phileas Fogg, an English gentleman residing in London, is depicted as a tall, well-built man of about forty, with light brown hair and a beard. He leads a life of great regularity and independence, spending his days at the Reform Club where he engages in reading, dining, and playing whist. Although his demeanor is marked by precision and punctuality, he is drawn into a wager of twenty thousand pounds—which constitutes his entire fortune—by his whist partners, who challenge him to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days. This journey brings to light his qualities of imperturbability, loyalty to his companions, and a capacity for romance, as seen in his rescue and subsequent love for Princess Aouda.

Fogg embodies a caricature of the English gentleman, as seen through the French perspective of that era, with Jules Verne presenting him with a focus on what he is not. His character is one of mathematical precision, never hurried, always economical in movement, and perpetually punctual. Despite his precise demeanor, Fogg remains sympathetic, exhibiting kindness by rescuing Passepartout and Aouda, and making donations to charity. He gracefully accepts the apparent loss of his wager, maintaining his stoic exterior in the face of challenges. His ingenuity and resourcefulness are demonstrated when he proposes using parts of a steamship as fuel to increase its speed.

Though initially appearing unemotional, Fogg surprises with a romantic side, culminating in his marriage proposal to Aouda, which ultimately makes him "the happiest of men." His journey, reminiscent of Odysseus's, reveals him as both a rational being of the Enlightenment and an impulsive gentleman, as evidenced by his generosity towards his guide and his friends, including the bumbling detective Fix. Fogg is a blend of various archetypes; although larger than life, he remains calm and composed in face of adversity, finding ways to achieve his goals undeterred by obstacles. He is a mirror for Don Quixote, yet inverted, showcasing rationality and adherence to decorum. Fogg's character is static, remaining largely unchanged by the end of the story, save for his newfound happiness with Aouda.

Jean Passepartout

Jean Passepartout is Phileas Fogg's French manservant, portrayed as middle-aged with a pleasant and honest demeanor. His distinguishing features include brown hair, blue eyes, and a robust, muscular build. Before entering Fogg's service, Passepartout led a life of travel and uncertainty, finding appeal in the steadiness and predictability of his employer's lifestyle. However, the announcement of their around-the-world trip comes as a shock, plunging him into a life of adventure.

Brave and resourceful, Passepartout aids in rescuing Aouda by impersonating a rajah. Despite his loyalty and steadfast affection for Fogg, his actions sometimes hinder the journey, such as when he is arrested for violating a Hindu temple's sanctity or captured by the Sioux after saving a train. Serving as a foil to Fogg's calm demeanor, Passepartout is lively, emotional, and curious—a true Parisian. He plays the role of Sancho Panza to Fogg's Quixote, providing a contrasting yet complementary dynamic. His character is vibrant, embodying the archetypal talkative servant and acrobatic clown, larger than life, yet often displaying poor judgment.

Passepartout is impetuous and vulnerable, demonstrating courage in a more flamboyant manner than Fogg. Despite his occasional missteps—such as trusting the wrong people or becoming intoxicated at critical moments—his fidelity to Fogg remains unshaken. By the story's end, while Passepartout may have gained wisdom and humility, these changes are not overtly emphasized in the narrative.

Fix

Detective Fix is a man of slight build and nervous disposition, marked by intelligence yet marred by persistent misjudgments. He encounters Fogg in Suez, suspecting him of being the Bank of England robber, and doggedly pursues him through India and Hong Kong. His attempts to thwart Fogg's journey continue until he receives arrest warrants. However, once outside English jurisdiction, Fix begins aiding Fogg, though he ultimately arrests him in Liverpool, mistakenly causing a significant delay.

Fix is characterized by a singularity of purpose, tenaciously clinging to his erroneous belief about Fogg's guilt. Throughout the story, he evolves somewhat, displaying some human emotion and admiration for Fogg, although his eventual realization of his error lacks depth and impact. Although he is the villain in the melodrama, his character is static, with no real significant change by the story's conclusion.

Aouda

Aouda, a widow of an Indian rajah, is a young Parsee beauty with dark hair and a light complexion. Her English education renders her more European than Indian. Rescued from a suttee, she initially plans to reunite with a relative in Hong Kong, only to find they have moved to The Netherlands. Consequently, she continues the journey with Fogg, developing a romantic relationship with him. Her marriage proposal to Fogg not only solidifies their bond but also inadvertently reveals a miscalculation due to the international date line, enabling Fogg to win his wager.

As a character, Aouda is somewhat passive, primarily existing to propel the plot forward and enrich the story's romantic element. Despite her pivotal role, she remains relatively underdeveloped compared to other characters and is largely unchanged by the end of the narrative. She is a familiar stock character, providing the romantic element in the novel, though the depiction of her relationship with Fogg is subdued and limited.

Sir Francis Cromarty

Sir Francis Cromarty, a tall, fair British army officer aged fifty, is traveling to Benares to rejoin his troops. He becomes acquainted with Fogg through a game of whist during their train ride across India. Sir Francis allies with Fogg and Passepartout on an elephant journey, actively participating in Aouda's rescue. Although playing a supportive role, he contributes to the camaraderie and collective efforts of Fogg's party.

Colonel Stamp Proctor

Colonel Stamp Proctor is a large, red-bearded American who nearly comes to blows with Fogg during a political rally in San Francisco. Their tensions reach a peak on a train journey, where they prepare to duel, only to be interrupted by a Sioux attack that leaves Proctor severely wounded. His interactions with Fogg and the subsequent events add tension and drama to the narrative, illustrating cultural and personal conflicts.

Captain Andrew Speedy

Captain Andrew Speedy, the fifty-year-old English captain of the Henrietta, is an irascible man with red hair and a growling voice. Fogg negotiates an exorbitant price for passage to Bordeaux on Speedy’s vessel. Once aboard, Fogg bribes the crew to imprison Speedy, redirecting the ship to Liverpool. Subsequently, Fogg purchases the Henrietta, using its wooden superstructure as fuel to hasten their journey. Captain Speedy's involvement showcases Fogg's resourcefulness and determination, as well as the tensions arising from clashing wills.