The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe · Character

Friday

A captive Crusoe frees from his pursuers, who becomes his willing companion, pupil, and the first human voice on a silent island.

major

Also known as XV Friday, poor Friday, Poor Friday

First appearance: Friday's Education

As a major figure in The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, Friday is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Learns about Christianity, expresses curiosity about God and the devil, and is amazed by Crusoe's gun; becomes a devout Christian.

In the storyFriday's EducationOpen this moment free

See Friday in Friday's Education Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Friday enters Crusoe's solitude not as an equal but as a rescued dependent, named for the day he was saved and taught English, clothes, and Christianity in quick order. The tension is baked into the relationship: gratitude and affection on one side, mastery and ownership on the other, with Crusoe calling him servant and companion in nearly the same breath. He matters because he ends the island's true isolation — turning a survival diary into a story about company, obligation, and what one man believes he owes another.

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

See Friday in Friday's Education

Character Web

9 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Crusoe's allies and adversaries
Protagonist
Mutineers and rebels
Crusoe's early influences

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Crusoe’s admission that he could have been content to live out his life and die on the island “like the old go…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Robinson Crusoe
friendship · positive
Friday is Crusoe's devoted companion and servant, saved from cannibals, forming a deep… How this plays out →
Mutineers
rivalry · negative
The Spaniards
friendship · positive
Seignior Inglese
friendship · positive
The Master
social · positive
The Captain
friendship · positive
Benamuckee
family · ambivalent
Robinson Crusoe
friendship · positive
Friday is Crusoe's devoted companion and servant, saved from cannibals, forming a deep… How this plays out →
Robinson Crusoe
friendship · positive
Friday is Crusoe's devoted companion and servant, saved from cannibals, forming a deep… How this plays out →
The Master
social · positive
Mutineers
rivalry · negative
Benamuckee
family · ambivalent

Robinson Crusoe
Friday is Crusoe's devoted companion and servant, saved from cannibals, forming a deep bond of loyalty and mutual dependence.
Mutineers
Friday helps Crusoe fight and capture the mutineers, viewing them as enemies threatening his master.
The Spaniards
Friday interacts with the rescued Spaniards as fellow survivors and allies under Crusoe's leadership.
Seignior Inglese
Seignior Inglese is likely a Spanish or Portuguese figure Friday encounters, representing a cooperative relationship within the island community.
The Master
Friday has limited interaction with the Master, likely as a subordinate or acquaintance in the context of shipboard life.
The Captain
Friday assists the captain alongside Crusoe, forming a cooperative alliance against the mutineers.
Benamuckee
Benamuckee is the tribal god Friday worships, representing his cultural and spiritual heritage before converting to Christianity.
Robinson Crusoe
Friday is Crusoe's devoted companion and servant, saved from cannibals, forming a deep bond of loyalty and mutual dependence.
Robinson Crusoe
Friday is Crusoe's devoted companion and servant, saved from cannibals, forming a deep bond of loyalty and mutual dependence.
The Master
Friday has limited interaction with the Master, likely as a subordinate or acquaintance in the context of shipboard life.
Mutineers
Friday helps Crusoe fight and capture the mutineers, viewing them as enemies threatening his master.
Benamuckee
Benamuckee is the tribal god Friday worships, representing his cultural and spiritual heritage before converting to Christianity.

Relationship notes

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

See Friday in Friday's Education

In the story

Friday appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VIII: Surveys His Position
Not present in this chapter.
Friday's Education
Learns about Christianity, expresses curiosity about God and the devil, and is amazed by Crusoe's gun; becomes a devout Christian.
XVI: Rescue of Prisoners from Cannibals
Displays deep affection for Crusoe and his father, assists in the rescue and care of the prisoners, and serves as interpreter.
Visit of Mutineers
Assists in securing the mutineers' boat and cutting timber for a potential vessel.
The Ship Recovered
Assists Crusoe in managing prisoners and participates in the ambush of the mutineers.
Return to England
Accompanies Crusoe faithfully on his travels to Lisbon.
Fight Between Friday and a Bear
Engages in a daring and humorous fight with a bear, demonstrating his bravery and agility.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Friday in Friday's Education