Lord Jim · Character

Kassim

A long-legged old scoundrel whose diplomacy and double-dealing make him useful to whoever is currently holding the advantage in Patusan.

supporting

Also known as That long-legged old scoundrel Kassim, Meantime Kassim

First appearance: xxiii

As a supporting figure in Lord Jim, Kassim is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Briefly appears as the 'long-legged old scoundrel' who escorts Jim to the Rajah upon his arrival.

In the storyXXIVOpen this moment free

See Kassim in XXIV Book page

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Kassim is the kind of operator who survives by being indispensable to everyone and loyal to no one, the man whose quiet arrangements keep Brown's starving band supplied with the few yams and bananas that stave off collapse. He moves between the Rajah's faction and the intruders with the ease of long practice, and his name is spoken in Patusan with the particular contempt reserved for those who always seem to be standing nearby when something goes wrong. His treachery is the kind that greases the plot's machinery, and the reader learns to watch him whenever the situation looks settled.

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The fuller portrait of Kassim sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Kassim in xxiii

Character Web

15 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Professional
Other

Character groups

Patusan Conflict Catalysts
Protagonist
Patna Inquiry and Wanderings

+10 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Relationships

Jim
rivalry · negative
Kassim is a manipulative rival who opposes Jim's influence in Patusan and conspires with… How this plays out →
Tunku Allang
professional · negative
Jim
rivalry · negative
Kassim is a manipulative rival who opposes Jim's influence in Patusan and conspires with… How this plays out →
Jim
rivalry · negative
Kassim is a manipulative rival who opposes Jim's influence in Patusan and conspires with… How this plays out →
Tunku Allang
professional · negative

Jim
Kassim is a manipulative rival who opposes Jim's influence in Patusan and conspires with Brown against him.
Tunku Allang
Kassim serves as Tunku Allang's advisor and manipulator, exploiting the ruler's weakness to advance his own schemes.
Jim
Kassim is a manipulative rival who opposes Jim's influence in Patusan and conspires with Brown against him.
Jim
Kassim is a manipulative rival who opposes Jim's influence in Patusan and conspires with Brown against him.
Tunku Allang
Kassim serves as Tunku Allang's advisor and manipulator, exploiting the ruler's weakness to advance his own schemes.

Relationship notes

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

See Kassim in xxiii

In the story

Kassim appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
Not present in this chapter.
XXIV
Briefly appears as the 'long-legged old scoundrel' who escorts Jim to the Rajah upon his arrival.
XXXIX
Represents the Rajah at the council; secretly opens communications with Brown, using Cornelius as interpreter.
XL
Engages in double-dealing diplomacy with Brown, warns Dain Waris, and tries to keep the Bugis forces divided.
Chapter XLIII
Kassim attends the council, is cold-shouldered, but professes delight when Jim occupies the Rajah's stockade, and later speaks loudly of protecting the Rajah's property.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Kassim in xxiii

See Kassim in XXIV