Edward Thornton

Emily Thornton

Edward is Emily's older brother, and their relationship is marked by sibling rivalry and Edward's protective yet frustrated attempts to manage her.

Captain Jonsen

Captain Jonsen views Edward as a troublesome older child captive, their interactions tinged with mutual suspicion and tension.

Margaret Fernandez

Edward and Margaret share a mild childhood friendship, with Edward often acting protectively toward her.

Young Henry Marpole

Edward and Young Henry are fellow child passengers who bond over shared experiences and boyish camaraderie.

Emily Thornton

Edward is Emily's older brother, and their relationship is marked by sibling rivalry and Edward's protective yet frustrated attempts to manage her.

Captain Jonsen

Captain Jonsen views Edward as a troublesome older child captive, their interactions tinged with mutual suspicion and tension.

Margaret Fernandez

Edward and Margaret share a mild childhood friendship, with Edward often acting protectively toward her.

Captain Jonsen

Captain Jonsen views Edward as a troublesome older child captive, their interactions tinged with mutual suspicion and tension.

Emily Thornton

Edward is Emily's older brother, and their relationship is marked by sibling rivalry and Edward's protective yet frustrated attempts to manage her.

I

Mentioned as one of the 'Liddlies' under the rule of Emily's mouse oracle.

II

Too small for a long walk, remains at the bathing-hole.

IV

Present in the family group; mentioned among the children in the cellar.

I

Mr. Thornton is a practical but frustrated father who leads the rebuilding of Ferndale and reluctantly agrees to send the children away, fearing they will become 'ordinary little mugs' in English schools.

II

Frederic, who is silent on the journey, sharing a strong common emotion with his wife.

I

Mouse-coloured and mousy but pleasing; one of the smaller Thorntons.

IV

Edward is more accepting of the pirate life, showing curiosity about the ship and crew.

I

Drawn to the magistrate's wife and kissed by her; feels trapped and dejected.

II

Timid at the stairs; calls out to Emily in his sleep about 'cow-catching.'

V

Receives his first order at sea from Captain Jonsen, fetching his boots during the squall; eager to learn the three Sovereign Rules of Life.

I

Shouts for Emily to come and play, part of the group of children engaged in play on the deck.

II

Helps bandage Captain Jonsen's thumb after Emily bites it.

III

Suggests asking the captors directly, but is swayed by Emily's reasoning and the oracle's answer.

I

Edward rehearses pirate battles with Harry, chanting 'I am armed with a sword and a pistol!'

III

Steals Jonsen's slipper and climbs the rigging to escape punishment, showing uncharacteristic defiance.

IV

Edward cheers the chase between Emily and Rachel, but refuses to join the laughter game.

I

After washing and combing looks like a little gentleman; eagerly embellishes violent pirate tales for the passengers.

II

Mr. Thornton takes Margaret Fernandez aside to find a cab, showing kindness and sanity amid the chaos.

III

Edward now recounts his deeds as acts of defiance against the pirates, receiving admiration with little skepticism.

IV

Edward contributes dramatic, violent fantasies ('Bing! Bang! Bong!') and imitations, disrupting the interview.

V

Discusses legal strategy with Mathias, expresses skepticism about the children's reliability and their affection for the pirates.

VI

Edward Thornton watches Emily from the shadows, feeling both pity and fear. He is present at the trial and lifts her out of the witness box. Afterward, he is disturbed by her apparent innocence and avoids touching her.

VIII

Mr. Thornton accompanies Emily to the school and stays for tea.