Almayer’s Folly · Character

Kaspar Almayer

A Dutch trader in Sambir who pins his whole future on a vanished treasure and a daughter he cannot hold, dreaming of Amsterdam while the river rises.

major

Also known as Almayer, Mr. Almayer, Tuan Almayer, Poor Almayer, Kaspar

First appearance: Chapter 1

As a major figure in Almayer’s Folly, Kaspar Almayer is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a Dutch trader living in Sambir, consumed by dreams of gold and escape from his stagnant life.

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Almayer is the white trader at the mouth of the Pantai, tolerated by Malays and Arabs alike, sustained by a fortune he has never seen and a return to Europe he will never make. He dotes on Nina as the vessel of his ambition while remaining blind to her growing distance, and he treats Dain as a business asset rather than a rival. His fanciful banquets and querulous demands at the supper table sketch a man whose hopes are always just one expedition away.

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Character Web

15 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Sambir power players

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

In this excerpt, the narrative climax occurs as Dain lies alone by the dying fire, his wide-open eyes and rest…

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In the story

Kaspar Almayer appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter 1
Introduced as a Dutch trader living in Sambir, consumed by dreams of gold and escape from his stagnant life.
Chapter I
Almayer is lost in dreams of wealth and escape, recalling Lingard's proposal and his own ambitions, while anxiously awaiting Dain's return.
Chapter II
Almayer is shown as a failed trader, trapped in a loveless marriage and ruined by Arab rivals. He clings to hope of Lingard's return and dreams of his daughter's future.
Chapter III
Refuses Abdulla's marriage proposal for Nina and endures his wife's tirades about treasure, seeking refuge in his new house.
IV
Hosts Dain Maroola, dismisses his wife's protests, and begins a close business relationship with Dain.
V
Absorbed in preparations for the expedition, dreaming of wealth and a future in Europe, oblivious to Dain and Nina's affair.
VI
Almayer is referenced as the white man who must be informed of the arrangements, and whose treasure and daughter are central to Dain's motives.
VII
Almayer experiences a psychological crisis, fearing madness after Dain's death. He vents his frustration and dreams to Nina, then collapses in despair.
Chapter IX
Drunk and despairing, Almayer confronts Dutch officers, reveals a headless corpse as Dain, and expresses his hopelessness and anger.
The Parting
Mentioned as sleeping off a bout of gin; Nina briefly considers seeing him but is prevented.
Chapter XI
Almayer is devastated by Nina's choice, struggles with his racial pride, and ultimately helps them escape while vowing never to forgive her.
XII
Almayer confronts Nina, expresses his pain and refusal to forgive, and after her departure, falls into a monotone whisper and emotional void.

Chapter companion notes

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