In Search of the Castaways · Character

Tom Austin

Trustworthy mate of the Duncan left in charge of the yacht.

minor

Also known as Tom, Austin

First appearance: v the departure of the duncan

Tom Austin's tie to Lord Glenarvan is one of the pressures that moves In Search of the Castaways—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Mate of the Duncan; discovers the bottle inside the shark's stomach.

In the storyI: The SharkOpen this moment free

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With Lord Glenarvan (professional): Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their relationship is that of captain and trusted subordinate. With Lord Glenarvan (professional): Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their relationship is that of captain and trusted subordinate. With Lord Glenarvan (professional): Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their relationship is that of captain and trusted subordinate.

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See Tom Austin in v the departure of the duncan

Character Web

13 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Main Search Party
Protagonist

+8 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 peak of Paganel’s i…

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Relationships

Lord Glenarvan
professional · positive
Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their… How this plays out →
Lord Glenarvan
professional · positive
Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their… How this plays out →
Lord Glenarvan
professional · positive
Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their… How this plays out →

Lord Glenarvan
Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their relationship is that of captain and trusted subordinate.
Lord Glenarvan
Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their relationship is that of captain and trusted subordinate.
Lord Glenarvan
Tom Austin is the loyal first officer of Glenarvan's yacht, the Duncan, and their relationship is that of captain and trusted subordinate.

Relationship notes

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

See Tom Austin in v the departure of the duncan

In the story

Tom Austin appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: The Shark
Mate of the Duncan; discovers the bottle inside the shark's stomach.
In Search of Water
Part of the reserve detachment; bids farewell to the advance party.
The Flood
Shares the party's disappointment; his horse drowns, but he swims to safety.
A Singular Abode
Agrees with the major's plan; participates in the discussion about the search.
The Return on Board
Shouts seaward without response; explains that the Duncan likely keeps to windward due to dangerous banks; fires a carbine to signal the yacht.
Why the Duncan Went to New Zealand
The old sailor who received Paganel's letter and followed orders to bring the Duncan to New Zealand, unaware of the convict plot.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Tom Austin unlock in the free preview.

See Tom Austin in v the departure of the duncan

See Tom Austin in I: The Shark