# Lord Glenarvan — In Search of the Castaways character guide > Lord Glenarvan in In Search of the Castaways by Jules Verne. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Lord Edward Glenarvan, Glenarvan, Lord Edward, Edward **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-shark ## Snapshot A Scottish nobleman whose wedding voyage becomes a rescue mission when a message in a bottle lands two orphans at his feet. ## Who they are Glenarvan is a wealthy, well-connected Scottish lord whose planned pleasure cruise aboard the Duncan is upended the moment Mary and Robert Grant appear in his courtyard pleading for their lost father. His instinct to help collides with the cold refusal of Admiralty officials, and it is his wife Helena who pushes him past hesitation into action. His wealth, reputation, and willingness to stake both on a doubtful latitude make him the expedition's spine — and the reason a hopeless search ever begins. ## Relationships ### [Jacques Paganel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/jacques_paganel) _friendship_ Paganel is Glenarvan's enthusiastic and scholarly companion, sharing a deep mutual respect and camaraderie throughout the search expedition. ### [Robert Grant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/robert_grant) _friendship_ Glenarvan acts as a protective guardian and mentor to young Robert Grant, driven by a sense of duty and growing affection. ### [Ayrton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/ayrton) _rivalry_ Ayrton initially deceives Glenarvan and later becomes a bitter antagonist, leading to a tense and adversarial dynamic. ### [Lady Helena](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/lady_helena) _family_ Lady Helena is Glenarvan's devoted and courageous wife, supporting him emotionally and practically in the rescue mission. ### [Major MacNabb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/major_macnabb) _friendship_ Glenarvan and Major MacNabb share a long-standing friendship built on trust, with MacNabb serving as a calm and loyal advisor. ### [Thalcave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/thalcave) _friendship_ Glenarvan and the Patagonian guide Thalcave form a strong bond of mutual respect and loyalty during their crossing of South America. ### [Mary Grant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/mary_grant) _friendship_ Glenarvan treats Mary Grant with paternal kindness and respect, driven by his commitment to her family's welfare. ### [Tom Austin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/tom_austin) _professional_ Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their relationship is that of captain and trusted subordinate. ### [Jacques Paganel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/jacques_paganel) _friendship_ Paganel is Glenarvan's enthusiastic and scholarly companion, sharing a deep mutual respect and camaraderie throughout the search expedition. ### [Ayrton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/ayrton) _rivalry_ Ayrton initially deceives Glenarvan and later becomes a bitter antagonist, leading to a tense and adversarial dynamic. ### [Robert Grant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/robert_grant) _friendship_ Glenarvan acts as a protective guardian and mentor to young Robert Grant, driven by a sense of duty and growing affection. ### [Jacques Paganel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/jacques_paganel) _friendship_ Paganel is Glenarvan's enthusiastic and scholarly companion, sharing a deep mutual respect and camaraderie throughout the search expedition. ## In the story ### [I: The Shark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/i-the-shark) Owner of the Duncan; leads the shark hunt and extraction of the bottle. ### [The Three Documents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/ii-the-three-documents) Leads the examination of the documents, deciphers their meaning, and resolves to organize a rescue expedition. ### [III: The Captain's Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/iii-the-captain-s-children) Mentioned as having traveled to London to present the document to authorities; expected to return soon. ### [Lady Glenarvan's Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/iv-lady-glenarvan-s-proposal) Returns from London with the government's refusal; initially despairing, he embraces his wife's proposal. ### [The Departure of the Duncan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/v-the-departure-of-the-duncan) Resolves to sail to the rescue of Captain Grant and orders the Duncan prepared for a circumnavigation. ### [An Unexpected Passenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/vi-an-unexpected-passenger) Hosts the tour of the yacht and expresses confidence in the rescue mission. ### [Jacques Paganel Is Undeceived](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/vii-jacques-paganel-is-undeceived) Cordially welcomes Paganel, explains the Duncan's mission, and offers hospitality; notes Paganel's reputation for absent-mindedness. ### [The Geographer's Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/viii-the-geographer-s-resolution) Glenarvan humorously and persistently argues for Paganel to stay, pointing out the scientific opportunities in Patagonia. ### [Through the Strait of Magellan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/ix-through-the-strait-of-magellan) Commits to making Robert a man of honor and leads the expedition. ### [The Course Decided](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/x-the-course-decided) Leads the expedition and makes final preparations, choosing the land party by lot. ### [Traveling in Chile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xi-traveling-in-chile) Leads the expedition, adopts Chilean costume, and commands the party to maintain order, especially restraining Robert's eagerness. ### [Eleven Thousand Feet Aloft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xii-eleven-thousand-feet-aloft) Leads the expedition, makes the difficult decision to continue on foot, and shows concern for Robert's welfare. ### [A Sudden Descent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xiii-a-sudden-descent) Leads the group, takes charge of gathering fuel, and remains awake through the night, troubled by presentiments of danger. ### [Providentially Rescued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xiv-providentially-rescued) Desperate and grief-stricken over Robert's disappearance; refuses to leave the valley; spots the condor and leads the rescue. ### [Thalcave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xv-thalcave) Leads the expedition; negotiates with Thalcave and the Indians for supplies. ### [News of the Lost Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xvi-news-of-the-lost-captain) Leads the expedition and questions Thalcave about the prisoner. ### [A Serious Necessity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xvii-a-serious-necessity) Disappointed at not being able to speak with the Gaucho Indians, hoping for news of the Britannia's crew. ### [In Search of Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xviii-in-search-of-water) Leads the advance party with Thalcave and Robert; expresses concern over the lack of water and comforts Robert with kind words about his father. ### [XIX: The Red Wolves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xix-the-red-wolves) Leads the defense against the wolves, comforts Robert, and is deeply moved by Thalcave's sacrifice. ### [Strange Signs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xx-strange-signs) Frustrated by the lack of Indians and anxious for news of Captain Grant; decides to follow Thalcave's advice to reach Fort Independence. ### [A False Trail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxi-a-false-trail) Desperate after learning the trail is false; leads the group to Fort Independence seeking information. ### [The Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxii-the-flood) Leads the party, deeply disappointed by the failed search, and struggles to keep hope during the flood. ### [A Singular Abode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxiii-a-singular-abode) Leads the discussion about the search; expresses discouragement but resolves to continue following the 37th parallel. ### [XXIV: Paganel’s Disclosure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxiv-paganel-s-disclosure) Initially skeptical of Paganel's reinterpretation but eventually convinced, leading the group to set course for Australia. ### [Between Fire and Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxv-between-fire-and-water) Climbs to the observatory with Paganel and Robert, expresses concern about the storm, and gives instructions for the night. ### [The Return on Board](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxvi-the-return-on-board) Anxiously watches for the Duncan through the night, leads the farewell to Thalcave, and presents his wife's portrait as a gift. ### [A New Destination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxvii-a-new-destination) Leads the expedition and reassures everyone of their continued search for Captain Grant. ### [Tristan d’Acunha and the Isle of Amsterdam](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxviii-tristan-d-acunha-and-the-isle-of-amsterdam) Examines books and documents aboard the yacht; allows crew to hunt seals for profit. ### [The Storm on the Indian Ocean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxix-the-storm-on-the-indian-ocean) Glenarvan consults with Captain Mangles about the storm and supports the decision to run the yacht ashore if necessary. ### [A Hospitable Colonist](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxx-a-hospitable-colonist) Expresses despair over the failed search, but later decides to continue to Cape Bernouilli; leads the party ashore. ### [The Quartermaster of the Britannia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxi-the-quartermaster-of-the-britannia) Leads the questioning of Ayrton, expresses astonishment at the revelation, and seeks advice on the next steps. ### [Preparations for the Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxii-preparations-for-the-journey) Leads the expedition preparations, secures Ayrton's agreement to guide them, and arranges transport and supplies. ### [An Accident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxiii-an-accident) Leads the expedition and consults with Ayrton about crossing the river; trusts Ayrton's judgment. ### [Crime or Calamity?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxv-crime-or-calamity) Leads the expedition, shields Lady Helena from the crime details, and plans to privately question Ayrton about the convicts. ### [Fresh Faces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxvi-fresh-faces) Discovers the sleeping boy Toliné with Lady Helena. ### [A Warning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxvii-a-warning) Leads the expedition, decides to continue the course despite Ayrton's suggestion, distributes food to the aborigines at his wife's request. ### [Wealth in the Wilderness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxviii-wealth-in-the-wilderness) Accepts the Pattersons' hospitality and listens to their story. ### [Suspicious Occurrences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxix-suspicious-occurrences) Leads the expedition, grows uneasy at the mysterious deaths of the horses and oxen, and considers Ayrton's advice to send orders to the Duncan. ### [A Startling Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xl-a-startling-discovery) Leads the group and consults with others on the best course of action after the loss of the animals. ### [The Plot Unveiled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xli-the-plot-unveiled) Wounded by Ayrton's bullet but recovers; dictates the letter to Tom Austin. ### [Four Days of Anguish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xlii-four-days-of-anguish) Learns of Ben Joyce's plot to seize the Duncan; decides to keep the party together and wait for the river to subside. ### [Helpless and Hopeless](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xliii-helpless-and-hopeless) Glenarvan is determined to reach Twofold Bay but is devastated upon learning the Duncan has sailed under Ben Joyce's command. ### [A Rough Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xliv-a-rough-captain) Despondent over the loss of the Duncan but resolved to return to England; searches the coast for signs of his crew and finds convict evidence. ### [The Wreck of the Macquarie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xlv-the-wreck-of-the-macquarie) Consumed by anxiety, he paces the deck obsessively searching for the Duncan, fearing it has become a pirate vessel; his usual energy and hope have given way to despair. ### [Vain Efforts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xlvi-vain-efforts) Leads the group, supports John Mangles' decisions, and participates in the labor to free the ship. ### [XLVII: A Dreaded Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xlvii-a-dreaded-country) Decides to leave the wreck and leads the group ashore, helping to moor the raft. ### [XLVIII: Introduction to the Cannibals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xlviii-introduction-to-the-cannibals) Captured by Kai-Koumou; maintains composure and negotiates with the chief regarding ransom or death. ### [A Momentous Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xlix-a-momentous-interview) Leads the captives with composure, shoots Kara-Tété to defend Lady Helena, and negotiates with Kai-Koumou for their lives. ### [The Chief's Funeral](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/l-the-chief-s-funeral) Confesses to killing Chief Kara-Tété and is sentenced to death at sunrise. ### [Strangely Liberated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/li-strangely-liberated) Leads the prisoners in prayer and resolves to die with dignity; orchestrates the escape with Robert's help. ### [The Sacred Mountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lii-the-sacred-mountain) Leads the group, examines the mountain for escape routes, and attempts a nighttime reconnaissance. ### [A Bold Stratagem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/liii-a-bold-stratagem) Leads the group in executing Paganel's plan and oversees the escape. ### [From Peril to Safety](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/liv-from-peril-to-safety) Overcome with despair upon recognizing the Duncan in convict hands, but later rescued. ### [Why the Duncan Went to New Zealand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lv-why-the-duncan-went-to-new-zealand) Returns to the Duncan with his companions, questions Tom Austin about the yacht's presence in New Zealand, and learns of Ayrton's confinement. ### [Ayrton's Obstinacy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lvi-ayrton-s-obstinacy) Questions Ayrton about Captain Grant and the Britannia, but fails to get answers. ### [A Discouraging Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lvii-a-discouraging-confession) Presides over the interview with Ayrton, agrees to trust him, and accepts the proposal to maroon him on a Pacific island. ### [A Cry in the Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lviii-a-cry-in-the-night) Awakened by the commotion, attempts to console Robert and Mary, but is skeptical of the hallucination. ### [Captain Grant's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lix-captain-grant-s-story) Leads the reunion; relates Ayrton's story; gives final words to Ayrton before his abandonment. ### [LX: Paganel’s Last Entanglement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lx-paganel-s-last-entanglement) Patron of the expedition and of Robert Grant's future plans; learns Paganel's secret from the major. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/lord_glenarvan - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters