Lord Jim · Character

Tamb' Itam

A dark-faced Malay from the north, once a Rajah's forced paddler, now Jim's morose, fanatically devoted servant and headman of his household.

supporting

Also known as Tamb, Itam, Meantime Tamb ' Itam, Tambt' Itam

First appearance: xxi

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

Implied as part of Jim's household, though not directly named in this excerpt.

In the storyXXIVOpen this moment free

See Tamb' Itam in XXIV Book page

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Tamb' Itam attached himself to Jim after escaping Rajah Allang's service, and his devotion runs to something excessive, almost fanatical, like a shadow that will not be shaken. He treads on his master's heels at state occasions with one hand on his kris, keeping the common people back with brooding truculent glances, and he distinguished himself at the storming of the stockade by a methodical ferocity. When Jim's world begins to crack, it is Tamb' Itam who stands at the door and tells him the truth no one else will speak.

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See Tamb' Itam in xxi

Character Web

9 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Patusan Conflict Catalysts
Protagonist

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

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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Relationships

Jim
professional · positive
Tamb' Itam is Jim's loyal servant and confidant, faithfully serving him in Patusan until… How this plays out →
Jim
professional · positive
Tamb' Itam is Jim's loyal servant and confidant, faithfully serving him in Patusan until… How this plays out →
Jim
professional · positive
Tamb' Itam is Jim's loyal servant and confidant, faithfully serving him in Patusan until… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Tamb' Itam in xxi

In the story

Tamb' Itam appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter III
Not present in this chapter.
XXIV
Implied as part of Jim's household, though not directly named in this excerpt.
XXVII
Jim's loyal servant, a Malay from the north, who distinguished himself in the fighting and is described as inseparable from Jim.
Chapter XXIX
Acts as a grim, devoted guardian to Jim, carrying weapons and patrolling the verandah at night; he speaks little and refers to Cornelius as 'the Nazarene.'
Chapter XXXII
Seen as a silhouette following Jim on his evening rounds.
XXXIV
Silently paddles the canoe during Marlow's departure.
XXXVII
Found at Stein's house, he repeats 'He would not fight' and appears unable to explain further.
XLII
Faithful servant who observes Jim's return and later reports the conversations; hopes for fighting but accepts his master's decisions.
Chapter XLIII
Tamb' Itam follows Jim, pretends to sleep while watching him, and is entrusted with the mission to deliver Jim's message and ring to Dain Waris.
XLIV
Witnesses the massacre, kills Cornelius, and rushes to bring news to the fort.
Chapter XLV
Tamb' Itam assists Jim, paddles the canoe, and witnesses Jim's final moments.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Tamb' Itam unlock in the free preview.

See Tamb' Itam in xxi

See Tamb' Itam in XXIV