# Marlow — Chance character guide

> Marlow in Chance by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Marlow, the unabashed Marlow

**First appearance:** 0004-part-i-the-damsel

## Snapshot

The seasoned sailor and storyteller who pieces together the tale of Flora, the Fynes, and Captain Anthony from chance encounters and long recollection.

## Who they are

Marlow is a reflective mariner whose acquaintance with the Fynes in the country and later with young Powell gives him the threads of a story he cannot let go. He narrates with a sailor's patience and a philosopher's curiosity, drawing out confessions over pipes and windows. His skepticism about design and his sympathy for the people he describes make him the story's guiding intelligence, turning scattered lives into a meditation on chance.

## In the story

### [Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/chance)

The narrator who frames the story, recounting his meeting with Powell and beginning to unfold the tale.

### [I: Young Powell and His Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/i-young-powell-and-his-chance)

A retired sailor, described as lanky and composed, who engages in reflective conversation with Powell. He is a friend of the narrator and takes an interest in Powell's story.

### [II: The Fynes and the Girlfriend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/ii-the-fynes-and-the-girlfriend)

Narrates the chapter, expressing surprise at Mrs. Fyne's doctrine and curiosity about Flora's background.

### [III: Thrift—and the Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/iii-thrift-and-the-child)

Narrates the story of de Barral's downfall, reflecting on the nature of the man and the social context.

### [IV: The Governess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/iv-the-governess)

Narrates the story, speculating on the motives and actions of the governess and Charley.

### [V: The Tea-Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/v-the-tea-party)

The narrator, who hosts a tea party for the Fynes and learns more about Flora's past.

### [VI: Flora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/vi-flora)

Listens to Mrs. Fyne's account, reflects on Flora's suffering, and analyzes Captain Anthony's and Mrs. Fyne's motives.

### [VII: On the Pavement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/vii-on-the-pavement)

Narrates the chapter, reflecting on Flora's story and her request for secrecy. He observes Fyne's mission.

### [Part II: The Knight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/part-ii-the-knight)

The narrator, who is present at the Fynes' cottage and observes the interactions, providing commentary on the characters and the situation.

### [I: The Ferndale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/i-the-ferndale)

Narrates his pursuit of Powell's mystery and his reflections on the relationship between Flora and Captain Anthony.

### [II: Young Powell Sees and Hears](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/ii-young-powell-sees-and-hears)

The narrator, who reflects on Powell's initial observations and his own doubts about Powell's ability to perceive the subtle, unusual marital relations on board.

### [III: Devoted Servants—and the Light of a Flare](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/iii-devoted-servants-and-the-light-of-a-flare)

Narrates the chapter, reflecting on the tragicomical nature of Flora's life and his own role as a confidant.

### [IV: Anthony and Flora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/iv-anthony-and-flora)

Narrates the story, reflecting on the complexities of Anthony and Flora's relationship.

### [V: The Great de Barral](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/v-the-great-de-barral)

He narrates the story, providing commentary on the characters' motivations and the nature of de Barral's imprisonment and release.

### [VI: … a Moonless Night, Thick with Stars Above, Very Dark on the Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/chapters/vi-a-moonless-night-thick-with-stars-above-very-dark-on-the-water)

Narrates the visit to Flora and learns her full story.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/characters/marlow
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/chance_se/characters