The Master of Ballantrae

by Robert Louis Stevenson

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Characters

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The narrative features several compelling portraits of secondary characters like the elderly Lord Durrisdeer, Alison Graeme, and the somewhat boastful Colonel Francis Burke. However, the primary focus remains on the Durie brothers. Since the story unfolds from Henry's perspective, readers are likely to empathize with this troubled man. Nonetheless, James's audacity and vigor are likely to attract many, including, albeit reluctantly, the family's long-time supporter, Ephraim Mackellar.

Due to the old Lord's wish to safeguard his estate during "the troubles," and the outcome of a coin toss, James is given the choice of actions: either stay and manage the estate or join the Jacobites in fighting for the Stuart cause. James opts to leave, while Henry stays to shoulder the family's responsibilities. The tension between the brothers, primarily stemming from James, is exacerbated by Henry's marriage to Alison and perhaps by Henry's awareness that their father prefers his reckless brother.

Throughout the novel, the character of the main narrator, Mackellar, is gradually revealed in subtle yet significant ways. For instance, although he denounces James's reckless actions, he cannot entirely dismiss his admiration for James's audacity and courage. This provides readers with insight into the mindset of the practical, loyal, and respectful individuals who constituted much of Scotland's populace in the mid-1700s.

The addition of the Indian character Secundra Dass seems primarily for plot convenience, as his role appears to be eavesdropping on critical conversations (usually Henry's) to help his master, James, undermine Henry's plans. However, Dass introduces a somber tone to the final scene, where he exhumes his master's "body," inadvertently leading to Henry's demise.

Colonel Burke appears as another convenient addition, yet he embodies the mercenary type who often participated in such uprisings. His narration of the Master's adventures, mostly maritime, is lively but inconsistent—realistically highlighted by his omission of a section from the manuscript sent to Mackellar, possibly due to what Mackellar suspects as "an indiscretion on my part." Stevenson had limited means to convey James Durie's remote exploits, necessitating a character like Burke. This impetuous soldier, through his eventual animosity towards Durie, helps illustrate the Master's reckless vitality. As Mackellar titles a key chapter where James returns to Durrisdeer to torment his brother and seek more funds for his ventures, there is truly an "Enemy in the House."

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