# Major MacNabb — In Search of the Castaways character guide > Major MacNabb in In Search of the Castaways by Jules Verne. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** MacNabb, Major, Mr. MacNabb **First appearance:** 0000-i-the-shark ## Snapshot A phlegmatic Scottish soldier whose unshakable calm and dry silence make him the steady counterweight to every crisis aboard the Duncan. ## Who they are MacNabb is the kind of man who watches a stranger tumble at his feet without so much as a blink, then returns to his pipe and his own quiet thoughts. His loyalty to Glenarvan is absolute, but expressed through presence rather than speeches, and his unflappable composure often shames the more excitable members of the party into steadiness. When the expedition faces swamps, storms, or convicts, it is MacNabb's granite temperament that keeps panic at bay. ## Relationships ### [Jacques Paganel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/jacques_paganel) _friendship_ Paganel and Major MacNabb are close companions on the journey, with Paganel's exuberance balanced by MacNabb's dry wit and practicality. ### [Lord Glenarvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/lord_glenarvan) _friendship_ Glenarvan and Major MacNabb share a long-standing friendship built on trust, with MacNabb serving as a calm and loyal advisor. ### [Jacques Paganel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/jacques_paganel) _friendship_ Paganel and Major MacNabb are close companions on the journey, with Paganel's exuberance balanced by MacNabb's dry wit and practicality. ### [Jacques Paganel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/jacques_paganel) _friendship_ Paganel and Major MacNabb are close companions on the journey, with Paganel's exuberance balanced by MacNabb's dry wit and practicality. ### [Lord Glenarvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/lord_glenarvan) _friendship_ Glenarvan and Major MacNabb share a long-standing friendship built on trust, with MacNabb serving as a calm and loyal advisor. ### [Lord Glenarvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/lord_glenarvan) _friendship_ Glenarvan and Major MacNabb share a long-standing friendship built on trust, with MacNabb serving as a calm and loyal advisor. ## In the story ### [I: The Shark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/i-the-shark) Lord Glenarvan's cousin; present on deck and offers calm observations. ### [The Three Documents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/ii-the-three-documents) Offers skeptical remarks but supports the group's reasoning; returns to Malcolm Castle with Lady Helena. ### [Lady Glenarvan's Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/iv-lady-glenarvan-s-proposal) Listens to Lady Helena's account and expresses confidence that Lord Glenarvan will succeed. ### [The Departure of the Duncan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/v-the-departure-of-the-duncan) Accompanies the expedition as a calm, taciturn, and morally courageous relative of the Glenarvans. ### [An Unexpected Passenger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/vi-an-unexpected-passenger) Remains on deck smoking; encounters the unexpected passenger with characteristic calm. ### [Jacques Paganel Is Undeceived](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/vii-jacques-paganel-is-undeceived) Remains imperturbable during the revelation; suggests that Paganel could simply continue with them to Patagonia. ### [The Geographer's Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/viii-the-geographer-s-resolution) The major is mentioned as being indifferent to the stormy weather, observing the deluge with perfect indifference. ### [Through the Strait of Magellan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/ix-through-the-strait-of-magellan) Remains indifferent to geographical discussions, especially at dinnertime. ### [The Course Decided](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/x-the-course-decided) Part of the land expedition, asks to see the map and is included in the travel party. ### [Traveling in Chile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xi-traveling-in-chile) Travels with the party, though not prominently featured in this chapter. ### [Eleven Thousand Feet Aloft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xii-eleven-thousand-feet-aloft) Remains calm and observant, spots the hut at a critical moment. ### [A Sudden Descent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xiii-a-sudden-descent) Shoots a guanaco in the dark, remains calm and observant throughout the night. ### [Providentially Rescued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xiv-providentially-rescued) Calmly organizes the search; attempts to aim at the condor but is beaten by a providential shot. ### [Thalcave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xv-thalcave) Observes Paganel's language blunder with dry humor. ### [News of the Lost Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xvi-news-of-the-lost-captain) Observes Paganel's efforts with a hint of skepticism. ### [A Serious Necessity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xvii-a-serious-necessity) Remains calm amid the annoyances of the journey, noting the signs of increasing dryness. ### [In Search of Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xviii-in-search-of-water) Remains with the reserve party; teases Paganel about not leading them astray. ### [Strange Signs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xx-strange-signs) Accompanies Paganel to observe flamingoes; shows interest in Paganel's explanations about the Pampas. ### [A False Trail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxi-a-false-trail) Remains silent and observant; asks the crucial question about European prisoners. ### [The Flood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxii-the-flood) Assumes practical duties for the journey, remains calm, and spots the tree that becomes their refuge. ### [A Singular Abode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxiii-a-singular-abode) Proposes following the 37th parallel around the world; provides practical support with provisions and a flask of powder. ### [XXIV: Paganel’s Disclosure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxiv-paganel-s-disclosure) Listens to Paganel's explanation and engages in the discussion, showing support for the new interpretation. ### [Between Fire and Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxv-between-fire-and-water) Present during the storm; his calm countenance is noted in the lightning flashes. ### [The Return on Board](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxvi-the-return-on-board) Advises patience during the night watch and establishes a camp in the sand-hills. ### [A New Destination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxvii-a-new-destination) Suggests a final test of the document and a stop at Tristan d'Acunha and Amsterdam islands. ### [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) Doubts Paganel's claim about fifty explorers; accepts the wager but loses. ### [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) The major awaits the end with the indifference of a Mussulman. ### [The Quartermaster of the Britannia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxi-the-quartermaster-of-the-britannia) Reserves judgment on Ayrton's veracity and questions him about his role as quartermaster. ### [Preparations for the Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxii-preparations-for-the-journey) Expresses suspicion of Ayrton, remarking that he is 'too intelligent.' ### [An Accident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxiii-an-accident) Shoots a rare jabiru crane; rides ahead with the sailors during the river crossing. ### [Australian Explorers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxiv-australian-explorers) Smokes a cigar during the evening gathering. ### [Crime or Calamity?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxv-crime-or-calamity) Observes the farrier's eroded wrists and the trefoil shoe mark, harboring unspoken suspicions about Ayrton. ### [Fresh Faces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxvi-fresh-faces) Smiles at Paganel's antics during the diggings tour. ### [A Warning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxvii-a-warning) Jokingly insists Robert saw a monkey, remains unconvinced by Lady Helena's arguments, cites negroes' statements about orangutans. ### [Suspicious Occurrences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xxxix-suspicious-occurrences) Opposes Ayrton's plan to send orders to the Duncan, advocating instead to continue toward Twofold Bay; notices Ayrton's disappointment. ### [A Startling Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xl-a-startling-discovery) Remains silent but clearly suspects Ayrton of foul play regarding the animals. ### [The Plot Unveiled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xli-the-plot-unveiled) Explains how he recognized Ayrton as Ben Joyce; recounts his suspicions. ### [Four Days of Anguish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xlii-four-days-of-anguish) Interviews Mulready and reports the details of the attack and Ben Joyce's plan; tends to Mulready's wound. ### [Helpless and Hopeless](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xliii-helpless-and-hopeless) MacNabb assists Lady Helena in caring for Mulready and urges Glenarvan not to give up hope. ### [A Rough Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/xliv-a-rough-captain) Accompanies the group to inspect the Macquarie; remarks on Captain Halley's rough demeanor. ### [Strangely Liberated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/li-strangely-liberated) Advises against extreme measures and urges immediate escape when the opportunity arises. ### [The Sacred Mountain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lii-the-sacred-mountain) Assists in sealing a steam vent and observes Paganel's unusual reticence. ### [A Bold Stratagem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/liii-a-bold-stratagem) Supports Paganel's plan and helps with the physical work of creating the eruption. ### [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) Observes the unfolding mystery with characteristic calm, and humorously remarks to Paganel about the blunder. ### [Ayrton's Obstinacy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lvi-ayrton-s-obstinacy) Observes the situation and later believes Ayrton may know nothing. ### [A Discouraging Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lvii-a-discouraging-confession) Present during the interview; questions Ayrton about the dates of the Britannia and expresses skepticism about Paganel's new theory. ### [LX: Paganel’s Last Entanglement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/chapters/lx-paganel-s-last-entanglement) Acts as Cupid's messenger between Paganel and his cousin Miss Arabella, and learns Paganel's secret. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/in_search_of_the_castaways_se/characters/major_macnabb - 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