Captain Anthony

Charles Powell

Captain Anthony is Powell's commanding officer, and Powell is his loyal first mate, with a relationship built on mutual respect and duty.

Flora de Barral

Captain Anthony is Flora's devoted husband, having rescued her from despair, and their relationship is intense and protective.

Franklin

Franklin is Captain Anthony's chief officer and trusted subordinate, with a relationship based on naval hierarchy and mutual loyalty.

Mrs. Fyne

Captain Anthony and Mrs. Fyne are acquaintances with a strained relationship, as she disapproves of his marriage to Flora.

Fyne

Captain Anthony and Fyne are acquaintances with a formal relationship, connected through Flora and the Fyne household.

Mr. Smith

Captain Anthony and Mr. Smith have a professional relationship, with Smith being a business associate or employer.

Charles Powell

Captain Anthony is Powell's commanding officer, and Powell is his loyal first mate, with a relationship built on mutual respect and duty.

Charles Powell

Captain Anthony is Powell's commanding officer, and Powell is his loyal first mate, with a relationship built on mutual respect and duty.

Flora de Barral

Captain Anthony is Flora's devoted husband, having rescued her from despair, and their relationship is intense and protective.

Franklin

Franklin is Captain Anthony's chief officer and trusted subordinate, with a relationship based on naval hierarchy and mutual loyalty.

Mrs. Fyne

Captain Anthony and Mrs. Fyne are acquaintances with a strained relationship, as she disapproves of his marriage to Flora.

Franklin

Franklin is Captain Anthony's chief officer and trusted subordinate, with a relationship based on naval hierarchy and mutual loyalty.

Author's Note

Described as determined to embrace a 'wisp of mist'; Conrad followed him, leading to the novel's length.

Chance

The captain of the Ferndale who, by chance, offers Powell a position on his ship, setting the plot in motion.

Part I: The Damsel

The captain of the Ferndale, who meets Flora and eventually elopes with her.

II: The Fynes and the Girlfriend

Mentioned as Mrs. Fyne's sailor-brother, son of Carleon Anthony, and the man Flora has eloped with.

V: The Tea-Party

Mentioned as the person Flora has confided in about her life.

VI: Flora

Discussed by Marlow, who wonders about his character and intentions regarding Flora.

VII: On the Pavement

Discussed by Flora and Fyne. His encounter with Flora is recounted, and he is the subject of Fyne's mission.

Part II: The Knight

Introduced as the 'Knight', a solitary and romantic figure, son of a famous poet, who has led a life at sea and is now being considered as a potential husband for Flora.

I: The Ferndale

Shows a new, defiant, and self-conscious demeanor on board the Ferndale, suggesting the impact of his recent marriage.

II: Young Powell Sees and Hears

The captain of the Ferndale, whose marriage is resented by the crew. He is seen as a remote, fairytale-like figure by Powell.

III: Devoted Servants—and the Light of a Flare

Shows noticeable constraint toward his wife and father-in-law, often retreating below deck.

IV: Anthony and Flora

Determined to marry Flora to protect her, despite believing she does not love him.

V: The Great de Barral

He prepares the Ferndale for his wife and father-in-law, creating a private space, but is also anxious and fearful about meeting de Barral.

VI: … a Moonless Night, Thick with Stars Above, Very Dark on the Water

Struggles with the tension between his wife and her father, ultimately deciding to let Flora go.