# Dr. J. W. Goodsell — A Negro Explorer at the North Pole character guide

> Dr. J. W. Goodsell in A Negro Explorer at the North Pole by Matthew Henson.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Goodsell, Dr. Goodsell

**First appearance:** 0002-a-negro-explorer-at-the-north-pole

## Snapshot

The expedition's surgeon, responsible for keeping frostbitten, exhausted men functional in conditions that punished every body aboard.

## Who they are

Goodsell's role is unglamorous and constant: treating the injuries, illnesses, and slow physical deterioration that Arctic travel inflicts on the entire party. He works in a world where a minor wound can become fatal and where morale depends on his steady presence. His care is part of the invisible infrastructure that lets the expedition keep moving toward its goal.

## In the story

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/ii)

Fine-looking, big fellow with swarthy complexion; another 'tenderfoot.'

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/iii)

Examines Franke and pronounces him unfit to remain in the Arctic.

### [VII Sledging to Cape Columbia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/vii)

Had already started; his igloo identified by scattered cocoa-tins; caught up with at the end of the ice-foot.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/viii)

Leaves igloo on February 23 to retrieve supplies; has a greenish-yellow complexion from the long darkness; carries a small set of Shakespeare.

### [Ready for the Dash to the Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/ix)

His igloo was blown away, and Henson helped him build a new one.

### [Pioneering the Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xii)

Sent back in charge of the first supporting party on March 14; congratulates Henson and returns with assurance of his effective work.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/chapters/xviii)

Leaves on May 27 to hunt in Lake Hazen and Ruggles River regions, successfully bagging musk-oxen and caribou; collects geological, zoological, and botanical specimens; returns June 15.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/characters/dr_goodsell
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/a_negro_explorer_at_the_north_pole_se/characters