# Babalatchi — Almayer’s Folly character guide > Babalatchi in Almayer’s Folly by Joseph Conrad. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Tuan Babalatchi, the one-eyed Babalatchi **First appearance:** 0004-i ## Snapshot A one-eyed Malay statesman with a staff, a limp, and an informant's patience, forever measuring Almayer's weakness against Lakamba's convenience. ## Who they are Babalatchi serves as Lakamba's advisor and eyes, moving between the Rajah's stockade and the white man's compound with the ease of a man who belongs to neither. He suspects Dain's visits to Almayer's household long before he confirms them, and he orders a drowned body dragged ashore for reasons of his own. His suspicions and quiet manipulations turn private romance into public consequence in the story's middle stretch. ## Relationships ### [Lakamba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/lakamba) _professional_ Babalatchi serves as the chief advisor and manipulator for the Rajah Lakamba, orchestrating schemes for their mutual benefit. ### [Nina Almayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/nina_almayer) _psychological_ Babalatchi views Nina as a pawn in his schemes, observing her with a mix of suspicion and calculating interest. ### [Mahmat Banjer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/mahmat_banjer) _professional_ Babalatchi uses Mahmat Banjer as a messenger and minor accomplice in his political intrigues. ### [Taminah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/taminah) _psychological_ Babalatchi manipulates Taminah, using her unrequited love for Dain to extract information and control her. ### [Bulangi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/bulangi) _professional_ Babalatchi uses Bulangi, a local boatman, as a tool for transportation and covert operations. ### [Lakamba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/lakamba) _professional_ Babalatchi serves as the chief advisor and manipulator for the Rajah Lakamba, orchestrating schemes for their mutual benefit. ### [Lakamba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/lakamba) _professional_ Babalatchi serves as the chief advisor and manipulator for the Rajah Lakamba, orchestrating schemes for their mutual benefit. ### [Nina Almayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/nina_almayer) _psychological_ Babalatchi views Nina as a pawn in his schemes, observing her with a mix of suspicion and calculating interest. ### [Mahmat Banjer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/mahmat_banjer) _professional_ Babalatchi uses Mahmat Banjer as a messenger and minor accomplice in his political intrigues. ### [Taminah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/taminah) _psychological_ Babalatchi manipulates Taminah, using her unrequited love for Dain to extract information and control her. ### [Nina Almayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/nina_almayer) _psychological_ Babalatchi views Nina as a pawn in his schemes, observing her with a mix of suspicion and calculating interest. ### [Mahmat Banjer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/mahmat_banjer) _professional_ Babalatchi uses Mahmat Banjer as a messenger and minor accomplice in his political intrigues. ## In the story ### [Chapter 1](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/almayer-s-folly) A one-eyed political schemer and advisor to Lakamba, observing events with cunning. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/ii) Babalatchi is mentioned indirectly as part of the Malay gossip network; his spying role is implied in the clandestine visits and discussions. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/iii) Confers with Mrs. Almayer over the rice-pot, attempting to extract information about Lingard's treasure. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/iv) Spies on the lovers, acting as a go-between for Lakamba and Dain. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/v) Suspicions about Dain and Nina are confirmed by ocular demonstration on the eve of their meeting. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/vi) The one-eyed statesman acts as mediator, proposing Dain's hiding place and urging caution. He reflects on his own aging and the end of reckless daring. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/vii) Babalatchi orders the body of the drowned man to be brought ashore and whispers to Almayer that it was fate. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/viii) The one-eyed advisor who knows everything; Taminah fears he might discover her plans. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/ix) Babalatchi spies on Almayer, coordinates with Mrs. Almayer and Lakamba, and devises a plan to help Dain escape via hidden channels. ### [The Parting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/x) Implicitly referenced as one who might spy or lead soldiers; part of the threatening network. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/xi) Babalatchi warns of the Dutch arrival and urges Dain to flee, but leaves in frustration when Dain refuses to abandon Nina. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/babalatchi - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters