Character guide

David Balfour

major

Also known as Davie, Mr. Balfour, David, Mr. David Balfour, Balfour

A ragged young Lowlander who walks into a lawyer's office with Latin on his tongue and a claim to the estate of Shaws, determined to be believed.

Alan Breck Stewart

major

Also known as Alan, honest Alan, Stewart, Alan Breck, a Stewart

A Jacobite swordsman with a price on his head and a king's name forever on his lips, who turns a shipwrecked stranger into a sworn companion.

Ebenezer Balfour

supporting

Also known as Uncle Ebenezer, Ebenezer, Shaws, Mr. Ebenezer, Mr. Balfour of Shaws

The miser of Shaws, who stares from his own doorstep like a man turned to stone when the nephew he sold to kidnappers comes home to collect.

Captain Hoseason

supporting

Also known as Hoseason, the captain

A grave, well-spoken sea captain who offers a curious lad a friendly bowl aboard his brig — and a berth in the hold instead.

Mr. Rankeillor

supporting

Also known as Rankeillor, 4 Mr. Rankeillor

A sharp Edinburgh lawyer who tests a muddy stranger with a scrap of Horace, then quietly sets about undoing a decade of family fraud.

Cluny Macpherson

supporting

Also known as Cluny

A hunted Jacobite chieftain who lives hidden like a heather-cat, sheltering fugitives in a cage while the redcoats comb the hills for him.

James Stewart

supporting

Also known as James, James Stewart, that James Stewart

James Stewart of the Glens is the steady hand behind Appin's exiled chief, funneling the hard-wrung guineas of crofters and farmers overseas while keeping peace with the Crown's factor, Colin Roy Campbell. Where Alan's temper burns hot against the Red Fox, James works by patience and accommodation — a caution that may prove as dangerous as any feud. His quiet management of impossible loyalties sets the whole machinery of the story in motion.

Mr. Riach

minor

Also known as Riach

First mate of the Covenant, sometimes sympathetic to David.

Mr. Shuan

minor

Also known as Shuan

Second mate of the Covenant, a violent man.

Ransome

minor

Also known as poor Ransome

A brutalized cabin boy on the Covenant.

Mr. Campbell

minor

Also known as Campbell

Minister of Essendean who sends David to his uncle.

Colin Roy Campbell

minor

Also known as Colin Roy, Glenure, this Campbell, Colin Campbell, the Red Fox, Red Fox

The Red Fox, King's factor whose murder sparks the manhunt.

Mr. Henderland

minor

Also known as Henderland

A catechist who gives David shelter and news.

Neil Roy Macrob

minor

Also known as Macrob, Neil Roy, Neil

A Highland outlaw who guides David and Alan.

Robin Oig

minor

Also known as Robin

A son of Rob Roy MacGregor encountered in Balquhidder.

Torrance

minor

A servant at the House of Shaws.

Mrs. Stewart

minor

James Stewart's wife, who aids David and Alan.

John Breck Maccoll

minor

Also known as John, John Breck

A Highland guide who helps David and Alan cross the Forth.

Duncan Dhu

minor

Also known as Duncan

Landlord of the inn in Torosay who helps David.

Charles Baxter

minor

Also known as Charles

David's friend and lawyer in Edinburgh.