Malty Avis

Banjo

Banjo and Malty Avis are frequent adversaries, clashing over goals and values.

Latnah

Latnah and Malty Avis are locked in a tense rivalry, competing for influence and attention.

Banjo

Banjo and Malty Avis are frequent adversaries, clashing over goals and values.

Banjo

Banjo and Malty Avis are frequent adversaries, clashing over goals and values.

Latnah

Latnah and Malty Avis are locked in a tense rivalry, competing for influence and attention.

Latnah

Latnah and Malty Avis are locked in a tense rivalry, competing for influence and attention.

First Part

A sharp and pragmatic member of the gang, often engaging in debates with Banjo about women, work, and survival.

I: The Ditch

Leader of the beach boys, he feeds Banjo and introduces him to the group. He is a West Indian with a history as a sailor.

II: The Breakwater

Leads the gang, helps welcome the new seaman, and shares in the wine-drinking and café adventures.

III: Malty Turned Down

Malty is jealous of Banjo's relationship with Latnah and makes unwanted advances toward her. He is a strong swimmer and diver, with a past in the West Indies.

IV: Hard Feeding

Participates in the feeding frenzy, defends the beach life, and argues with Banjo about self-respect.

V: “Jellyroll”

Plays guitar splendidly but has no instrument. He joins Banjo in bringing the cargo boat band to the Vieux Port and comments on the mandolin player's attraction to the Arab-black girl.

Second Part

A member of the gang who engages in debates with Banjo, particularly about Latnah and their way of life.

VI: Meeting-Up

Not directly present in this chapter, but referenced in the context of the gang's activities.

VIII: A Carved Carrot

Fools near Latnah, showing amorous interest, but is overshadowed by Banjo's appeal.

IX: Taloufa's Shirttail

Indifferent to Taloufa's loss, refuses to go with the police, and comments on the principle of the matter.

XII: Bugsy's Chinese Pie

Comments on French bread and is part of the group.

XV: White Terror

Malty is not explicitly present in this chapter's excerpts, but his gang is referenced as the group that Banjo and Ray are with. The chapter focuses on the broader group dynamics and their collective experience.

XVI: The “Blue Cinema”

Mentioned as part of the group at the café, but not actively involved in the conversations.

XVII: Breaking-Up

Sprawled in a corner after the party, later joins the plan to go to the vineyards.

Third Part

Engages in debates with Banjo, particularly regarding Latnah, and shares in the group's experiences.

XVIII: Banjo’s Return

Present with Ray and Latnah, comments on Banjo's return.

XIX: Lonesome Blue Again

Meets Ray in Bum Square and informs him that Banjo has been taken suddenly ill and is dying.

XX: The Rock of Refuge

Helps Ray get Banjo to the hospital and brings him a chicken dinner. He tells the story of Indian seamen who were robbed by 'kelts'.

XXIII: Shake That Thing Again

Joins Banjo in the music, blowing a horn or whistling during the celebration.

XXV: Banjo’s Ace of Spades

Found with Ginger panhandling near a P&O boat with an Indian crew, commenting that there is never anything doing on a 'coolie-jabbering boat.'