Last Updated on May 6, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 266

Characters Discussed

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Mr. Coxon

Mr. Coxon, the captain of the Grosvenor. He is a tough skipper who is hard on his crew to the point of cruelty. He even refuses to pick up survivors from one shipwreck. Later, he is forced to allow his second mate to rescue people from another wreck the Grosvenor meets, but he puts the mate in irons after the rescue. The crew of the ship mutinies and kills the captain.

Mr. Duckling

Mr. Duckling, first mate of the Grosvenor. He always sides with the captain and is killed by the mutineers.

Mr. Royle

Mr. Royle, second mate of the Grosvenor. He is a compassionate man who does what he can for the mistreated crew. He, with the crew’s help, forces the captain to permit the rescue of two survivors of a wrecked ship. After the mutiny, the mutineers force the mate to navigate for them. He finally rescues himself, Mary Robertson, the steward, and one loyal sailor from the ship, which sinks in a storm.

Mary Robertson

Mary Robertson, a young woman saved by Mr. Royle after a shipwreck. She and the mate fall in love and are married after they reach the shore and safety. The girl is the daughter of a wealthy owner of a shipping firm.

Mr. Robertson

Mr. Robertson, Mary’s father, rescued with her by Mr. Royle. He dies of natural causes aboard the Grosvenor.

Stevens

Stevens, a sailor who leads the mutiny aboard the Grosvenor. He is unsuccessful in carrying out his plan to scuttle the ship with Mr. Royle and the Robertsons aboard.