Flora de Barral

Fyne

Flora is a guest and dependent of the Fyne family, with Fyne acting as a distant and somewhat disapproving guardian figure.

Captain Anthony

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

Charles Powell

Powell is a kind and supportive friend to Flora, often acting as her ally and confidant during difficult times.

Mrs. Fyne

Flora and Mrs. Fyne have a tense social relationship, with Mrs. Fyne acting as a patronizing and judgmental figure.

Mrs. Brown

Mrs. Brown is a manipulative and cruel governess who torments Flora, creating a relationship of victim and abuser.

Carleon Anthony

Carleon Anthony is Flora's father-in-law, a distant and disapproving patriarch who never fully accepts her.

Ted

Ted is a loyal and simple friend to Flora, providing her with unconditional support and companionship.

Mr. Smith

Flora and Mr. Smith are social acquaintances, with Smith being a peripheral figure in her life.

Fyne

Flora is a guest and dependent of the Fyne family, with Fyne acting as a distant and somewhat disapproving guardian figure.

Captain Anthony

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

Fyne

Flora is a guest and dependent of the Fyne family, with Fyne acting as a distant and somewhat disapproving guardian figure.

Mrs. Fyne

Flora and Mrs. Fyne have a tense social relationship, with Mrs. Fyne acting as a patronizing and judgmental figure.

Author's Note

Mentioned as the character who passed before Conrad during his indecision and is 'really responsible' for the novel.

Part I: The Damsel

A young woman introduced under the false name Miss Smith, whose life is marked by her father's financial crash and abandonment.

II: The Fynes and the Girlfriend

Discussed as the girl who has run away with Captain Anthony; described as an orphan 'to a certain extent.'

III: Thrift—and the Child

The child affected by the ruin and her mother's death, left in the care of a governess.

IV: The Governess

The young heiress, unaware of the impending betrayal, enjoys her last ride with Charley and is later confronted by the governess.

V: The Tea-Party

Discussed at length; her past hardships and her relationship with Captain Anthony are the main topics of conversation.

VI: Flora

Her past is revealed: she suffered in a vulgar household, was sent to Hamburg, and was cruelly dismissed by a merchant's wife.

VII: On the Pavement

Confides in Marlow about her meeting with Captain Anthony, expressing shame and remorse. She asks him to keep her encounter with Anthony a secret.

Part II: The Knight

Staying with the Fynes, she is the subject of Mrs. Fyne's matchmaking. She is described as having a 'forlorn' aspect and is being prepared for a meeting with Captain Anthony.

I: The Ferndale

Though not present, she is the central subject of Marlow's speculation and the cause of the changes observed in Captain Anthony.

II: Young Powell Sees and Hears

Referred to as Mrs. Anthony, she is seen as a young, girlish figure reclining in a deck chair. Her presence is a shock to Powell and a source of resentment for the crew.

III: Devoted Servants—and the Light of a Flare

Now Mrs. Anthony, appears passive and enduring, with a quiet dignity amidst the shipboard tensions.

IV: Anthony and Flora

Feels humiliated and worthless, yet accepts Anthony's proposal out of a sense of duty.

V: The Great de Barral

She is anxious and remorseful during the reunion, trying to convince her father of the safety and generosity of her new husband, Captain Anthony.

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

Now Mrs. Anthony, she reflects on her marriage and the letter she wrote to Mrs. Fyne.