Lord Jim · Character

Brierly

A successful sea captain who serves on the inquiry into Jim's Patna case.

minor

Also known as Big Brierly, poor Captain Brierly, Captain Brierly, the late Captain Brierly, Montague Brierly

First appearance: VI

Brierly shows up with force in Chapter III. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Captain who commits suicide after the inquiry; reveals his contempt for Jim and his own hidden guilt.

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In VI: Captain who commits suicide after the inquiry; reveals his contempt for Jim and his own hidden guilt. Later, in Chapter VII: Mentioned as sharing a contemptuous opinion of the court of inquiry, influencing Jim's…

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See Brierly in VI

Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Patna Inquiry and Wanderings
Patusan Conflict Catalysts
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when the narrator confronts Jewel’s raw, irration…

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In the story

Brierly appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
Not present in this chapter.
VI
Captain who commits suicide after the inquiry; reveals his contempt for Jim and his own hidden guilt.
Chapter VII
Mentioned as sharing a contemptuous opinion of the court of inquiry, influencing Jim's view of the proceedings.
Chapter VIII
Present at the inquiry, questioning the helmsmen through an interpreter.
XII
Brierly is mentioned as the one who suggested the simple explanation for why the Patna's lights were not seen from the lifeboat, helping the court resolve that question.
XIII
Brierly is mentioned as the source of the plan of evasion that Marlow offers to Jim.
XIV
Brierly is present at the inquiry, talking easily with the magistrate after the verdict is read.
XXI
Marlow quotes Brierly's remark about Jim: 'Let him creep twenty feet underground and stay there.'

Chapter companion notes

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See Brierly in VI