# Joe — Five Weeks in a Balloon character guide > Joe in Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Joseph Wilson, poor Joe **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot Dr. Ferguson's quick-witted servant, whose resourcefulness in the kitchen and on the cliff's edge keeps three men alive above Africa. ## Who they are Joe is the expedition's valet, cook, and comic conscience — the man who hauls a flask of water up to his master's lips after shooting a lioness, and who later drops out of the balloon's car to run along a mountaintop and lighten it. His loyalty is absolute but never solemn; he jokes about eating raw meat and shrugs off his own heroics as nothing worth mentioning. Without his improvisations in the early and middle stages of the crossing, the Victoria's crew would never survive long enough to reach the heart of the continent. ## Relationships ### [Dick Kennedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/dick_kennedy) _friendship_ Dick Kennedy and Joe share a friendly and cooperative relationship as fellow members of the balloon expedition, often working together. ### [The Scot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/the_scot) _friendship_ Joe and The Scot interact amicably, with Joe's cheerful nature complementing The Scot's demeanor. ### [Captain Speke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/captain_speke) _professional_ Captain Speke and Joe have a professional association, likely involving logistical or exploratory duties. ### [Major Denham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/major_denham) _professional_ Joe and Major Denham interact in a professional context, possibly related to exploration or service duties. ### [Dick Kennedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/dick_kennedy) _friendship_ Dick Kennedy and Joe share a friendly and cooperative relationship as fellow members of the balloon expedition, often working together. ### [Dick Kennedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/dick_kennedy) _friendship_ Dick Kennedy and Joe share a friendly and cooperative relationship as fellow members of the balloon expedition, often working together. ### [Major Denham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/major_denham) _professional_ Joe and Major Denham interact in a professional context, possibly related to exploration or service duties. ### [The Scot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/the_scot) _friendship_ Joe and The Scot interact amicably, with Joe's cheerful nature complementing The Scot's demeanor. ### [Captain Speke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/captain_speke) _professional_ Captain Speke and Joe have a professional association, likely involving logistical or exploratory duties. ### [The Scot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/the_scot) _friendship_ Joe and The Scot interact amicably, with Joe's cheerful nature complementing The Scot's demeanor. ## In the story ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as the doctor's servant; not directly present in this chapter. ### [A Servant—Match Him!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/vi) Introduced as Dr. Ferguson's loyal and cheerful servant, with remarkable vision and a philosophical optimism. He eagerly anticipates the expedition and expresses unwavering faith in his master. ### [Geometrical Details and Preparations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/vii) Joe is listed in the weight summary at 120 pounds, confirming his role as a member of the crew. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/viii) Overjoyed and bustling with activity, proudly showing off the balloon and earning a few half-crowns. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/ix) Holds forth on the forecastle, spinning tales of interplanetary travel and winning over the sailors with his humor and imagination. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xi) Proud and happy as the departure approaches, waves goodbye with the others. ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xii) Prepares coffee, secures the balloon after anchoring, and jokes about the natives' reactions. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xiii) Assists with anchoring and descending; jokes about the balloon being a paradise; goes hunting with Kennedy. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xiv) Hunts with Kennedy, expresses worry about losing the balloon, prepares antelope steaks and grog. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xv) Dances for the locals, tastes pombé, and prepares to cut the anchor rope. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xvi) Shows resilience and humor, appreciating the spectacle of the storm and reflecting on their adventure. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xvii) Prepares a meal using an extempore oven, expresses delight at the journey, and later joyfully drives the elephant team. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xviii) Cheers for the Nile, guards the balloon during the landing, and taunts the natives after Kennedy's shot. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xix) Provides comic relief with remarks about cannibals and tails, and performs maintenance on the balloon. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xx) Throws a bottle to the villagers, jokes about growing trees in London, proposes harnessing eagles, and catches an arrow. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxi) Descends into the tree with Kennedy and later prepares to release the anchor. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxii) Spots the volcano, discards ballast, and is moved by the missionary's plight. ### [Chapter XXIII: The Goldmine and the Missionary's Burial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxiii) Falls into a rage over the missionary's death, then becomes greedy upon discovering the goldmine, but is eventually consoled by taking some gold ore as ballast. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxiv) Silent and changed after seeing the gold-bearing mountains, he nevertheless pledges to follow the doctor anywhere. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxv) Spots the cloud, the mirage, and the palm trees; maintains some optimism. ### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxvi) Finds the doctor after his fainting spell; proposes to walk alone for help, but is refused; gives the doctor one more day before acting. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxvii) Joe shows resourcefulness by using his jacket to decoy the lioness, and later struggles with Kennedy over the rifle to prevent suicide. ### [An Evening of Delight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxviii) Cooks an elaborate meal, dreams of staying in the oasis, reluctantly discards his gold quartz to lighten the balloon. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxix) Proposes a whimsical idea of using camels to tow the balloon; prepares a meal of wild ducks and snipe. ### [Mosfeia and the Incendiary Pigeons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxx) Observes the pigeon attack with curiosity and prepares to throw out ballast to ascend. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxi) On watch at 3 a.m., spots the city moving away; excited about the journey and eager to taste hippopotamus meat. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxii) Spots the condors, shoots one, and heroically sacrifices himself by jumping from the car to save the others. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxiii) Missing and presumed lost over Lake Tchad; the chapter focuses on the efforts to find him. ### [The Hurricane and the Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxiv) Left behind near Lake Tchad; the doctor and Kennedy worry about his survival and language barriers. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxv) Joe is the central focus of the chapter, recounting his fall into the lake, capture by natives, escape from a sinking island, and his solitary trek through harsh terrain. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxvi) Rescued from Arab pursuers; exhausted and wounded, he faints after being pulled aboard the Victoria. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxvii) Awakens after a 24-hour sleep, recounts his escape from the swamp and his rescue, and shows his characteristic optimism and loyalty. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxviii) Dresses game for supper, comments on the second balloon as a lifeboat, and asks questions about the explorers. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xxxix) Makes humorous remarks about the landscape and the journey; expresses confidence in the balloon's direction. ### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xl) Observes the grasshopper swarm with curiosity; regrets not collecting gold to make their story more believable. ### [The Approaches to Senegal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xli) Climbs up to detach the awning; heroically jumps out of the car and runs across the mountain top to lighten the balloon, saving Kennedy's rifle. ### [A Struggle of Generosity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xlii) Shows great adroitness in dismantling the apparatus, climbing the balloon to detach pipes, and later wakes to the fire. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xliii) Assists with gathering grass and shows unwavering confidence in the doctor; wounded slightly by a bullet. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/chapters/xliv) Describes the journey as tiresome but for the adventures; becomes bosom friend with the doctor. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/five_weeks_in_a_balloon_se/characters/joe - 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