# Lakamba — An Outcast of the Islands character guide

> Lakamba in An Outcast of the Islands by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Tuan Lakamba, the startled Lakamba

**First appearance:** 0003-an-outcast-of-the-islands

## Snapshot

A Malay trader-turned-ruler in Sambir who arrived with two small vessels and never forgave Patalolo for getting there first.

## Who they are

Lakamba is a bull-necked adventurer who settled in Sambir expecting to dominate it and found old Patalolo already in quiet command. He schemes with the one-eyed Babalatchi in a riverside watch-house, listening to talk of the white men who keep arriving on Lingard's river. His thwarted ambition and willingness to trade in other people's secrets make him a slow-moving but persistent threat to the settlement's fragile order.

## Relationships

### [Babalatchi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/characters/babalatchi)

_professional_

Babalatchi serves as the cunning advisor and political strategist to the ambitious Lakamba.

### [Captain Lingard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/characters/captain_lingard)

_rivalry_

Lingard and Lakamba are political and commercial adversaries, each vying for control over the region's trade.

### [Babalatchi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/characters/babalatchi)

_professional_

Babalatchi serves as the cunning advisor and political strategist to the ambitious Lakamba.

### [Captain Lingard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/characters/captain_lingard)

_rivalry_

Lingard and Lakamba are political and commercial adversaries, each vying for control over the region's trade.

### [Babalatchi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/characters/babalatchi)

_professional_

Babalatchi serves as the cunning advisor and political strategist to the ambitious Lakamba.

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-i-v)

The exiled prince-pretender who, with Babalatchi's encouragement, seeks to overthrow Patalolo and gain power in Sambir.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-ii-i)

Mentioned as the ruler of the campong where Aissa is staying, indicating his involvement in local power dynamics.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-ii-ii)

The chief, half asleep and sulky, sits in his chair, blinking solemnly, while his followers play chess and await Babalatchi's return.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-ii-iii)

A local ruler who discusses plans with Abdulla, offering men and canoes, but is wary of Willems' violent behavior.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-ii-v)

Hosts Abdulla and celebrates the anticipated change in power.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-iii-ii)

Assumes power after Patalolo's abdication, supported by Abdulla.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-iv-i)

Mentioned as the owner of the campong; Babalatchi is described as his servant.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/chapters/part-iv-ii)

Referenced as the ruler Babalatchi will serve, living in Patalolo's stockaded house.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/characters/lakamba
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/an_outcast_of_the_islands_se/characters