# James Bruce — Five Weeks in a Balloon character guide

> James Bruce in Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Bruce

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Who they are

Historical Scottish explorer of Africa, referenced in the narrative.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as an explorer whose discoveries Ferguson admired.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/ii)

Referenced as the explorer who started from Massowah in 1768 to search for the sources of the Nile, used as a counterpoint in the debate over the departure point.

### [An Evening of Delight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxviii)

Mentioned in the doctor's anecdote about raw meat; his story is used to illustrate the skepticism faced by African explorers.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/james_bruce
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters