Captain David Cheap

David Cheap was a man with ambition. He had worked his way up through the ranks of the Navy and now hoped to take the next step: from first lieutenant on the Centurion to captain on a ship of his own. When Cheap finally attained his dream and became captain of the Wager, he let his new position go to his head. While a captain had full authority over a ship, he also had to have the prudence and humility to know that he could not man the ship on his own. He had to learn to connect with and respect his men and to work closely with his fellow officers.

This is what Cheap failed to do. He held so closely to his status as captain that he would not budge an inch. He would not accept advice. He was determined to follow his orders to meet Anson to the point of inflexibility. The other captains, in contrast, understood the need for adaptability. Those of the Pearl and the Severn turned their ships around in Cape Horn. Cheap would not, perhaps could not, do the same. His position was the world to him, at the sacrifice of his men.

As Cheap's men challenged him, the captain became more paranoid. His efforts to enforce strict order only caused more tension and resentment. His paranoia blossomed into violence when he ordered the brutal flogging of the thieves and then shot Henry Cozens. Yet Cheap always maintained that he was in the right and was the victim of a mutiny. He seemed unable to realize that his actions had, at least in part, contributed to the breakdown of the order he so cherished.

Midshipman John Byron

Midshipman John Byron was a nobleman with a romantic streak that he never entirely lost, even in the midst of his suffering. He also possessed a strong moral character. Always enchanted by the sea, Byron joined the Navy as his older brother squandered the family fortune. Byron found life at sea both challenging and awe-inspiring. Even though he suffered from disease and starvation like the others, he retained sensitivity and tenderness. He held Cozens' hand after he had been shot. He mourned the death of his dog and was horrified by having to share in the meal the men made of the animal.

Bryon's moral code won out even over his desire to go home. When Bulkeley and the others left Cheap on the island, Byron could not bear the disloyalty and cruelty of the act. With a few others, he went back, risking his life to do what he believed was right. Byron stuck with Cheap even though he recognized that the captain was not always correct in his decisions because this young midshipman was committed to doing his duty.

Gunner John Bulkeley

Gunner John Bulkeley was something of an opportunist with a strong ability to rationalize his actions. As a gunner, Bulkeley proved himself an efficient leader with a knack for coordinating the men's actions amid the chaos of battle positions. As the voyage deteriorated, Bulkeley lost confidence in Cheap, whose decisions he doubted and whose attitude and actions he blamed for the castaways' suffering.

Bulkeley maintained outward obedience to Cheap even as his inward resentment grew. He discovered plenty of opportunities to advance himself in the eyes of the men. Working independently, he built a dwelling on the island, gathered supplies and food, and even stored weapons. He also gathered the men's loyalty to the point where he could challenge Cheap with rebellion and set out as the leader...