# Basil Donovan — Short Fiction character guide

> Basil Donovan in Short Fiction by Poul Anderson.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Donovan, Captain Donovan

**First appearance:** 0000-star-ship

## Snapshot

A defeated aristocrat turned reluctant rebel, Donovan trades insolence and gallows humor for survival aboard an Imperial cruiser crewed by strangers.

## Who they are

Donovan belongs to the old ruling family of Ansa, now reduced to handcuffs and a stun-beam headache after a riot against Imperial authority. Brought before Commander Helena Jansky, he masks fear with studied haughtiness, needling her rank while privately wondering whether he will be shot or merely imprisoned. His defiance and his strange, half-hopeful smile at the prospect of the voyage set the tone for a story about men pushed past the edge of known space.

## Relationships

### [Ellen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/ellen)

_romantic_

Basil and Ellen have a romantic connection, suggested by their frequent interactions and typical narrative arcs.

### [Valduma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/valduma)

_psychological_

Basil and Valduma have a manipulative or obsessive dynamic, with Valduma possibly exerting control over Basil.

### [Ellen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/ellen)

_romantic_

Basil and Ellen have a romantic connection, suggested by their frequent interactions and typical narrative arcs.

### [Ellen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/ellen)

_romantic_

Basil and Ellen have a romantic connection, suggested by their frequent interactions and typical narrative arcs.

### [Valduma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/valduma)

_psychological_

Basil and Valduma have a manipulative or obsessive dynamic, with Valduma possibly exerting control over Basil.

### [Valduma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/valduma)

_psychological_

Basil and Valduma have a manipulative or obsessive dynamic, with Valduma possibly exerting control over Basil.

## In the story

### [Star Ship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/star-ship)

Captain Donovan plays a role in the ship's command and encounters.

### [Witch of the Demon Seas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/witch-of-the-demon-seas)

Likely involved in the expedition or conflict.

### [Inside Earth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/inside-earth)

Involved in questioning regarding the Black Nebula, highlighting security concerns.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/v)

The narrator, reflecting on his mission and personal struggles.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/viii)

The narrator and Valgolian agent; he orchestrates the surrender and indoctrination of the rebels, reflecting on the Empire's long-term goals and his personal anguish over betraying Barbara.

### [Sargasso of Lost Starships](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/sargasso-of-lost-starships)

Assists in navigating the derelict ships.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/i)

The Earl of Ansa, drunk and bitter, starts a riot after being served an Imperial summons.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/ii)

Former Ansan space raider and aristocrat, now a prisoner and guide for the Empire, haunted by his past encounter with the Black Nebula.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/iii)

Sits in his cabin drinking, reveals knowledge of the Nebula's inhabitants to Helena Jansky, and later confronts Valduma and Morzach.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/iv)

Reveals the truth about the Arzunians and their telekinetic powers; struggles with guilt over betraying the crew to Valduma.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/v)

Torn between his love for Valduma and his duty to the humans; agrees to lead the army into an ambush.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/vi)

Leads the Terran survivors in battle against the Arzunians, confronts Valduma, and plans to capture a spaceship.

### [Drogobych](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/vii)

Struggles with Valduma's telepathic temptations; fights in the battle; escapes with the group.

### [The Sensitive Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/chapters/the-sensitive-man)

Mentioned or appears, involved in the unfolding events.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters/basil_donovan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_44_se/characters