# The Adventures of Captain Hatteras — Character guide

> Key figures in The Adventures of Captain Hatteras by Jules Verne.

- [John Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/john_hatteras.md): Hatteras commands the Forward with a conviction that borders on monomania, quoting Arctic voyages like scripture to prove an open polar sea exists. Where his officers see impossible odds, he sees only obstacles to be bro
- [Dr. Clawbonny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/dr_clawbonny.md): Clawbonny serves as ship's physician, naturalist, cook, and unofficial peacemaker, the one man both Hatteras and the crew genuinely trust. His warmth draws people to him effortlessly — Altamont gravitates toward him befo
- [Richard Shandon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/richard_shandon.md): Shandon outfitted the Forward and expected to lead her, only to find himself subordinate to a captain who reveals nothing and demands everything. His cold, correct obedience — 'I have only to obey' — masks a growing sens
- [Altamont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/altamont.md): Rescued by the Forward's party, Altamont is commander of his own ship and his own men, which makes him Hatteras's equal in everything but rank — a fact both men feel immediately. He talks freely but says little, deflecti
- [Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/johnson.md): Johnson has seen enough of the Arctic to know exactly how bad things can get, and he says so plainly — yet he signs on with Hatteras anyway, promising to stand by him to the end. He is the crew's steadying hand: experien
- [Simpson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/simpson.md): Crewman who dies during the ice crossing.
- [James Wall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/james_wall.md): Second officer who joins the mutiny against Hatteras.
- [Pen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/pen.md): Mutinous sailor who challenges Hatteras's authority.
- [Clifton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/clifton.md): Cautious crewman who questions the expedition's safety.
- [Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/bell.md): Carpenter on the Forward, skilled and reliable.
- [Brunton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/brunton.md): Engineer on the Forward, involved in the mutiny.
- [Gripper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/gripper.md): Sailor who helps with the dogs and sledges.
- [Garry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/garry.md): Sailor who dies during the expedition.
- [Foker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/foker.md): Crewman who takes part in the mutiny.
- [Duke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/duke.md): Duke is Hatteras's constant companion, a dog of gentle manners who makes the first friendly overtures to the Greenland sled dogs and tolerates the doctor's petting without jealousy. He endures the same cold, hunger, and 
- [Sir John Franklin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/sir_john_franklin.md): Lost Arctic explorer whose fate drives the search.
- [Mr. Bellot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/mr_bellot.md): French officer who died in the Arctic.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters