# Dick Sands — Dick Sands, the Boy Captain character guide > Dick Sands in Dick Sands, the Boy Captain by Jules Verne. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Dick, Sands, young Sands, Captain Dick, Dick Sand, Mr. Dick **First appearance:** 0001-part-i-ii-the-apprentice ## Snapshot A fifteen-year-old orphan apprentice whose steadiness and seamanship earn him command of the Pilgrim—and the weight of every soul aboard. ## Who they are Raised in charitable institutions and trained at sea since age eight, Dick has made himself invaluable to Captain Hull and the Weldon family, who treat him almost as a son. His defining quality is not boldness but the rarer courage of deliberation—he thinks before he acts, a habit that will be tested when authority falls to him far too soon. His devotion to Mrs. Weldon and young Jack gives his ambition a personal stake, making his rise from cabin-boy to captain both a triumph and a burden. ## Relationships ### [Mrs. Weldon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/mrs_weldon) _professional_ Dick is the loyal young captain of the Pilgrim, serving under Mrs. Weldon's authority as her employee and protector. ### [Negoro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/negoro) _rivalry_ Negoro is the treacherous cook who actively works against Dick, leading to a deadly antagonistic conflict. ### [Tom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/tom) _friendship_ Tom is a loyal and wise old sailor who supports Dick as a trusted friend and advisor. ### [Hercules](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/hercules) _friendship_ Hercules is a strong and devoted friend who aids Dick in dangerous situations. ### [Cousin Benedict](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/cousin_benedict) _social_ Cousin Benedict is an eccentric entomologist who interacts with Dick as a fellow traveler, often oblivious to danger. ### [Jack Weldon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/jack_weldon) _friendship_ Dick is a protective older figure and friend to young Jack Weldon, who looks up to him. ### [Dingo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/dingo) _friendship_ Dingo is a loyal dog who bonds with Dick and helps him uncover Negoro's crimes. ### [Bat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/bat) _friendship_ Bat is a young enslaved boy who becomes a loyal friend and helper to Dick Sands. ### [Mrs. Weldon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/mrs_weldon) _professional_ Dick is the loyal young captain of the Pilgrim, serving under Mrs. Weldon's authority as her employee and protector. ### [Negoro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/negoro) _rivalry_ Negoro is the treacherous cook who actively works against Dick, leading to a deadly antagonistic conflict. ### [Mrs. Weldon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/mrs_weldon) _professional_ Dick is the loyal young captain of the Pilgrim, serving under Mrs. Weldon's authority as her employee and protector. ### [Negoro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/negoro) _rivalry_ Negoro is the treacherous cook who actively works against Dick, leading to a deadly antagonistic conflict. ## In the story ### [The Apprentice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-ii-the-apprentice) The fifteen-year-old apprentice, a foundling raised with the help of the Weldons, is devoted to Mrs. Weldon and Jack. He is courageous, intelligent, and skilled in seamanship. ### [The Survivors of the Waldeck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-iv-the-survivors-of-the-waldeck) Actively assists Mrs. Weldon in reviving the rescued men. ### [Dingo's Sagacity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-v-dingo-s-sagacity) Praised by Captain Hull and Mrs. Weldon for his seamanship and dedication; stands at the helm, demonstrating focus and reliability. ### [A Whale in Sight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-vi-a-whale-in-sight) Dick's distrust of Negoro grows after Dingo's letter trick; he observes the whale with a critical eye and discusses the risks of hunting a finback. ### [VII: Preparations for an Attack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-vii-preparations-for-an-attack) Left in command of the Pilgrim during the whale hunt; instructed to keep a sharp lookout and not leave the ship. ### [A Catastrophe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-viii-a-catastrophe) Remains aboard the Pilgrim with the crew, attempting to maneuver the ship closer to the whaleboat as signaled by Captain Hull. ### [Dick's Promotion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-ix-dick-s-promotion) Promoted to captain after the whale disaster; asserts authority over Negoro and begins training the crew. ### [The New Crew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-x-the-new-crew) Assumes captaincy, directs the crew in setting sails, takes the helm, and manages navigation despite lacking astronomical skills. ### [Rough Weather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-xi-rough-weather) Struggles with navigational confusion and the loss of the log line; demonstrates courage and meteorological knowledge while managing the storm. ### [Hope Revived](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-xii-hope-revived) Struggles with the hurricane, suspects compass tampering, identifies Easter Island, and tries to maintain hope. ### [Land at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-xiii-land-at-last) Shows resilience and leadership after the storm; receives Mrs. Weldon's praise and promise of future captaincy; skillfully runs the ship aground to save everyone. ### [XIV: Ashore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-xiv-ashore) Takes charge after the shipwreck, salvages supplies, and proposes an exploration plan to determine their location. ### [A Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-xv-a-stranger) Leads the armed group to meet the stranger; questions Harris about coastal alternatives and expresses doubts about the inland journey. ### [Through the Forest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-xvi-through-the-forest) Leads the march with Harris, proposes a watch schedule, and is persuaded by Actaeon to rest. ### [Misgivings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-xvii-misgivings) Dick is plagued by misgivings about their location and Harris's guidance, noting the absence of human inhabitants and the strange wildlife. ### [XVIII: A Terrible Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-i-xviii-a-terrible-discovery) Dick's suspicions of Harris intensify; he observes Dingo's agitation and the horse's indifference, and later discovers the truth about their location in Africa. ### [I: The Dark Continent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-i-the-dark-continent) Realizes they are in Africa, specifically Angola, and comprehends the grave danger from slave traders. ### [Accomplices](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-ii-accomplices) Mentioned as the young captain whose suspicions were aroused; Harris fears his shooting skill. ### [On the March Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-iii-on-the-march-again) Realizes they are in Africa, suspects Negoro's sabotage, and resolves to lead the group back to the coast. ### [Rough Travelling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-rough-travelling) Leads the group, reconnoiters the anthill camp, and decides to follow the stream. ### [White Ants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-v-white-ants) Remains awake, consumed by guilt and responsibility; recalls his failure to kill Negoro; is comforted by Mrs. Weldon. ### [A Diving-Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-a-diving-bell) Takes charge of the group's survival inside the anthill, carefully testing the water level and directing the escape; after emerging, he is captured and fettered. ### [A Slave Caravan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-a-slave-caravan) Captured but unfettered; tormented by guilt over not stopping Negoro and Harris; resolves to find a way to rescue Mrs. Weldon and Jack. ### [Notes by the Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-viii-notes-by-the-way) Dick records the march's atrocities, struggles to keep hope, and receives a secret note from Hercules via Dingo. ### [Kazonndé](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-ix-kazonnd) Brought before Alvez, learns of Mrs. Weldon's disappearance, and kills Harris in a rage. ### [Market-Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-x-market-day) Imprisoned after killing Harris; awaits torture and death, having avenged his companions. ### [A Bowl of Punch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-xi-a-bowl-of-punch) Remains imprisoned in a dark dungeon, destined to be tortured and executed as part of the evening's spectacle. ### [XII: Royal Obsequies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-royal-obsequies) Imprisoned and bound, Dick maintains his composure and defiance against Negoro, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. He manages to free one arm and discovers Dingo at his cell door. ### [A Ray of Hope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-xiv-a-ray-of-hope) Mentioned by Jack as someone they could take to go to his father. ### [A Magician](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-xvi-a-magician) Addressed as 'captain' by Hercules at the end of the chapter; awaiting the rescue. ### [Drifting Down the Stream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii-drifting-down-the-stream) Weak but recovering, he takes command of the canoe and plans the journey to the coast. ### [An Anxious Voyage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii-an-anxious-voyage) Commands the canoe, navigates the river, and makes critical decisions to avoid danger and find food. ### [XIX: An Attack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-xix-an-attack) Discovers Vernon's remains, resolves to bury them, scouts the river alone, and sacrifices himself by capsizing the canoe into the cataract to save the group. ### [A Happy Reunion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/chapters/part-ii-xx-a-happy-reunion) Returns to San Francisco, is adopted by Mr. Weldon, pursues his studies, and becomes a captain at age eighteen; still troubled by the fate of the four negroes. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters/dick_sands - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dick_sands_the_boy_captain_se/characters