Characters
David Balfour
David Balfour, a teenager freshly orphaned, embarks on a pivotal journey armed with a mere letter from his late father, introducing him to his uncle, Ebenezer Balfour of Shaws. Leaving his home in Essendean with hopes of familial connection, David is quickly disillusioned upon discovering his uncle's residence in ruins and Ebenezer himself less than welcoming. Yet, David's intrinsic optimism pushes him to adapt, even as he is unwittingly ensnared in a plot to have him kidnapped. Persuaded by Ebenezer to travel to Queensferry, David finds himself aboard the Covenant, only to realize his uncle's betrayal as he is abducted.
The Covenant meets its doom on the treacherous reefs along the Scottish coast, and David is left stranded on an isolated island. Initially, he succumbs to despair but later regains his resolve, realizing he can escape at low tide. His journey back to the House of Shaws through the harsh Highlands becomes a quest to reclaim both inheritance and kinship.
Throughout this tumultuous journey, David encounters a host of remarkable figures, most notably Alan Breck Stewart, a Highlander whose friendship and guidance become indispensable. Together, they navigate Scotland's treacherous landscape and political tension, driven by David's quest for justice and rightful claim to his heritage.
Ebenezer Balfour, Esquire, of Shaws
Ebenezer Balfour, Esquire, of Shaws, embodies deceit and self-interest. His physical appearance—a reflection of his dilapidated abode—mirrors his reputation as a miserly, untrustworthy figure in the community. He orchestrates David's kidnapping in a desperate attempt to cling to the family fortune meant for his nephew. Ebenezer's actions are fueled by greed, and his betrayal is a central catalyst in David's journey.
Elias Hoseason
Elias Hoseason, the imposing captain of the Covenant, is a man whose strength and command over his ship are as formidable as his moral ambiguities. He collaborates with Ebenezer in the nefarious abduction of David, placing monetary gain above ethical integrity. His dedication to his ship eclipses concern for his crew, and in David's eyes, Hoseason embodies the duplicity of appearing professional while harboring an unscrupulous core.
Alan Breck Stewart
Alan Breck Stewart, also known by the alias Mr. Thomson, emerges as a dynamic Highlander with unwavering loyalty to his clan. His meeting with David aboard the Covenant evolves into a profound friendship, marked by Alan's colorful personality and complex past. A former deserter turned soldier and ardent Jacobite, Alan risks much by aiding David, guided by a code of honor that transcends personal safety. His pride is evident in moments like the bagpipe contest, where he gracefully acknowledges defeat, demonstrating his humility and strength of character.
Mr. Rankeillor
Mr. Rankeillor, the astute lawyer from Queensferry, plays a pivotal role in David's quest for justice. Known for his wisdom and respectability, Rankeillor offers critical insights into the agreement between Ebenezer and David's father. He tactfully maneuvers the legal complexities to assist David in reclaiming his inheritance, all while discreetly acknowledging Alan's precarious position as an outlaw. His involvement underscores the importance of strategic alliances in David's journey.
Mr. Campbell
Mr. Campbell, the benevolent minister of Essendean, is a figure of unwavering support in David's life. He provides David with the letter that sets his journey in motion and imparts invaluable guidance for the future. His genuine care for David's wellbeing underscores the foundational role he plays at the outset of David's adventure, highlighting the enduring impact of early mentorship.
Mr. Riach
Mr. Riach, the second officer aboard the Covenant , is a man whose small stature belies a conflicted nature. Prone to instability due to his drinking habits, Riach nonetheless shows moments of...
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genuine concern for David during their voyage. Despite these sporadic displays of compassion, he ultimately sides with Captain Hoseason during a critical dispute, prioritizing loyalty to authority over moral obligations, thereby highlighting the complexities of human allegiance in dire circumstances.
Themes and Characters
In Kidnapped, the characters embody the themes more than in most romances. The protagonist, David Balfour, exemplifies the theme of a young man's maturation. David embarks on his journey as a seventeen-year-old boy and concludes it as a man. Throughout his several months away from home, he gains profound knowledge about human nature, the dangers of the sea and the open road, and the rewards of bravery and loyalty.
His primary mentor in these lessons is the passionate Alan Breck Stewart, who accompanies him for nearly the last two-thirds of the narrative. Alan's intricate mix of courage, vanity, prudence, honesty, and remarkable courtesy—such as refusing to speak Gaelic in David's presence since David doesn't understand it—earns David's respect but also introduces some complexity into their relationship.
Alan's sometimes contradictory traits highlight a popular nineteenth-century theme that Stevenson addresses more directly in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: the duality of human nature. Alan is both a caring friend and a ruthless enemy. He may be overly vain, but he is undeniably "a bonny fighter." Elias Hoseason, the captain of The Covenant, the ship on which David is kidnapped, is described as "two men, and [he] left the better one behind as soon as he set foot on board his vessel." David's acknowledgment of this duality signifies his growing understanding.
David also appears occasionally conflicted. He often has mixed feelings, such as when he wishes to be rid of the desperate Alan's company but remains too loyal and grateful to express it. The reader can see David's flaws but cannot help but admire him for his spirit and goodwill. Compared to heroes in other romance novels, David defies stereotypes. Despite being fairly large, strong, and vigorous, he is not a skilled fighter; when Alan attempts to teach him swordsmanship, David proves to be an unskilled student. David's cleverness, in which he often takes a very human and unwarranted pride, does not reach great heights.
Among the minor characters, such as the miserable cabin boy Ransome, David's villainous uncle Ebenezer Balfour, and the honest and cautious lawyer Mr. Rankeillor, the most colorful is Cluny Macpherson, the chief of an outlawed clan. Macpherson's distinctive politeness and his addiction to gambling make him an eccentric and intriguing addition to the story.
Overall, the cast of characters—from the sailors aboard The Covenant to the gillies in the Highlands—presents a diverse group. Although there are few female characters, the delightful tavern owner's daughter who assists David and Alan near the story's conclusion demonstrates Stevenson's ability to craft engaging women in his narratives. Perhaps the most significant lesson from these characters and their adventures is the importance of perseverance in a noble cause, whether it involves one's belief in personal freedom or, as in David's situation, the quest to reclaim one's birthright.
