Dick Sands, the Boy Captain · Character

Jack Weldon

Mrs. Weldon's five-year-old son, whose convalescence strands the family in Auckland and whose innocent presence aboard the Pilgrim raises the stakes of every danger.

supporting

Also known as little Jack, Master Jack, Little Jack

First appearance: The Pilgrim

As a supporting figure in Dick Sands, the Boy Captain, Jack Weldon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

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Little Jack was too ill to travel when his father returned to San Francisco, so he and his mother waited in Auckland until the Pilgrim arrived to carry them home. He befriends Dick Sands with the easy trust of a child, and his mother's devotion to him shapes her every cautious decision. His youth makes him both the emotional center of the family's voyage and a constant reminder of what Dick must protect when the journey goes catastrophically wrong.

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See Jack Weldon in The Pilgrim

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Jack Weldon sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Family
Other

Character groups

Pilgrim's crew and allies
Protagonist

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological nadir of the captiv…

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Relationships

Dick Sands
friendship · positive
Dick is a protective older figure and friend to young Jack Weldon, who looks up to him. How this plays out →
Mrs. Weldon
family · positive
Hercules
friendship · positive
Cousin Benedict
family · positive
Hercules
friendship · positive
Dick Sands
friendship · positive
Dick is a protective older figure and friend to young Jack Weldon, who looks up to him. How this plays out →
Dick Sands
friendship · positive
Dick is a protective older figure and friend to young Jack Weldon, who looks up to him. How this plays out →
Mrs. Weldon
family · positive
Cousin Benedict
family · positive
Hercules
friendship · positive
Cousin Benedict
family · positive

Dick Sands
Dick is a protective older figure and friend to young Jack Weldon, who looks up to him.
Mrs. Weldon
Jack is Mrs. Weldon's young son, and she is his devoted mother.
Hercules
Hercules is a kind and protective friend to young Jack, often keeping him safe.
Cousin Benedict
Cousin Benedict is Jack's eccentric relative, often amusing or ignoring him.
Hercules
Hercules is a kind and protective friend to young Jack, often keeping him safe.
Dick Sands
Dick is a protective older figure and friend to young Jack Weldon, who looks up to him.
Dick Sands
Dick is a protective older figure and friend to young Jack Weldon, who looks up to him.
Mrs. Weldon
Jack is Mrs. Weldon's young son, and she is his devoted mother.
Cousin Benedict
Cousin Benedict is Jack's eccentric relative, often amusing or ignoring him.
Hercules
Hercules is a kind and protective friend to young Jack, often keeping him safe.
Cousin Benedict
Cousin Benedict is Jack's eccentric relative, often amusing or ignoring him.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Jack Weldon in The Pilgrim

In the story

Jack Weldon appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Pilgrim
Mrs. Weldon's five-year-old son, recently recovered from a serious illness in Auckland.
The Apprentice
Mrs. Weldon's young son, who is recovering from illness and enjoys learning sailor skills from Dick. He spots something in the water, prompting the chapter's climax.
Dingo's Sagacity
Plays joyfully with Dingo and Hercules; asks his mother about a learned dog named Munito, showing curiosity and delight in the animal.
Dick's Promotion
Kneels beside his mother during prayer and offers to help with the ship.
The New Crew
Plays on deck, romps with Dingo, and laughs after a fall when a rope breaks.
Land at Last
Playfully suggests Hercules blow into the sails; given the task of assisting Bat at the wheel.
A Stranger
Wakes from sleep; shrinks from Harris's attempt to kiss him, showing instinctive distrust.
Through the Forest
Fears wolves and panthers, but falls asleep against old Nan after being reassured.
Misgivings
Jack's spirits flag during the journey, and he shows symptoms of incipient fever, worrying his mother.
I: The Dark Continent
Half-dying child, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Rough Travelling
Recovers from fever, asks about Mr. Harris's farm, and is frightened by the storm but comforted by Hercules.
White Ants
Occupies an upper tier in the anthill with his mother and Nan.
A Slave Caravan
Sick and carried off with his mother; Dick worries about his condition.
In Captivity
Recovered from fever, he stays close to his mother and asks about Dick, Nan, and Hercules.
A Ray of Hope
Innocently asks his mother why she is sad and suggests they go to his father with Dick, Tom, and Hercules.
An Exciting Chase
Accompanies his mother during her daily strolls, watches birds in the baobab tree, and misses his friend Dick Sands.
A Magician
Terrified when seized by the magician; rescued along with his mother.
Drifting Down the Stream
Amuses himself playing with Dingo and is delighted by monkeys crossing a vine bridge.
An Anxious Voyage
Spots what he thinks is the sea, enjoys the papyrus pith, and helps keep Dingo quiet during the village passage.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Jack Weldon unlock in the free preview.

See Jack Weldon in The Pilgrim