# John Hatteras — The Adventures of Captain Hatteras character guide > John Hatteras in The Adventures of Captain Hatteras by Jules Verne. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Captain Hatteras, Hatteras, the Bear Hatteras, the Ice Hatteras **First appearance:** 0001-i-the-forward ## Snapshot An English captain who will ram, blast, and besiege the polar ice itself, convinced the North Pole belongs to whoever wants it most. ## Who they are 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 broken with powder or towed through by main force. His refusal to explain his true purpose breeds mutiny below deck and coldness above it, yet his seamanship is undeniable. He matters because the entire expedition is the shape of his will: brilliant, reckless, and increasingly unable to turn back. ## Relationships ### [Dr. Clawbonny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/dr_clawbonny) _friendship_ Dr. Clawbonny is Hatteras's loyal friend and intellectual companion, sharing his Arctic obsession and supporting his quest. ### [Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/johnson) _professional_ Hatteras is the captain and Johnson is his loyal boatswain, with a professional bond built on mutual respect and duty. ### [Richard Shandon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/richard_shandon) _rivalry_ Hatteras and Shandon are in a tense rivalry, as Shandon resents Hatteras's command and eventually mutinies against him. ### [Altamont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/altamont) _rivalry_ Altamont and Hatteras are fierce rivals, competing for glory and the discovery of the North Pole, with nationalistic tensions between them. ### [Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/bell) _professional_ Bell serves as the carpenter under Captain Hatteras, maintaining a dutiful and professional relationship. ### [James Wall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/james_wall) _rivalry_ James Wall is antagonistic toward Hatteras, siding with Shandon in the mutiny and opposing Hatteras's authority. ### [Pen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/pen) _rivalry_ Pen is a mutinous sailor who openly defies Hatteras, leading to a hostile and violent rivalry. ### [Duke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/duke) _friendship_ Duke is Hatteras's devoted dog, fiercely loyal and emotionally bonded to his master throughout the Arctic adventures. ### [Sir John Franklin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/sir_john_franklin) _psychological_ Hatteras is obsessed with Sir John Franklin, viewing him as a heroic predecessor and driving his own quest to surpass Franklin's Arctic legacy. ### [Dr. Clawbonny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/dr_clawbonny) _friendship_ Dr. Clawbonny is Hatteras's loyal friend and intellectual companion, sharing his Arctic obsession and supporting his quest. ### [Johnson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/johnson) _professional_ Hatteras is the captain and Johnson is his loyal boatswain, with a professional bond built on mutual respect and duty. ### [Dr. Clawbonny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/dr_clawbonny) _friendship_ Dr. Clawbonny is Hatteras's loyal friend and intellectual companion, sharing his Arctic obsession and supporting his quest. ## In the story ### [Part I: The English at the North Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/part-i-the-english-at-the-north-pole) The secret captain of the expedition, revealed later; his identity is hinted at through the dog Duke and the letter. ### [Captain Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xii-captain-hatteras) Revealed as the mysterious captain; a man of fierce English pride and obsessive ambition to reach the North Pole, who has financed and led previous failed expeditions. ### [The Captain's Plans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiii-the-captain-s-plans) Reveals his plan to reach the Pole, presents evidence of an open polar sea, and demonstrates decisive leadership by freeing the Forward from ice using a powder charge and cannon concussion. ### [XIV: The Expeditions in Search of Franklin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiv-the-expeditions-in-search-of-franklin) Captain of the Forward, determined to push north despite obstacles; discusses the history of Arctic exploration with the doctor. ### [XV: The Forward Driven Southward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xv-the-forward-driven-southward) Forced to retreat southward, he grows increasingly anxious and silent, refusing to leave any trace of the expedition at Leopold Harbor. ### [The Magnetic Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvi-the-magnetic-pole) Anxious and determined, Hatteras personally examines the coast, orders full steam, and later expresses frustration about the crew's ill-will and his resolve to push north. ### [The Fate of Sir John Franklin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvii-the-fate-of-sir-john-franklin) Interrupts the doctor to declare that safety lies to the north, and later delivers an impassioned speech that motivates the crew to continue northward. ### [XVIII: The Way Northward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xviii-the-way-northward) Drives the ship northward under steam despite fuel concerns; uses monetary incentives to secure crew loyalty. ### [A Whale in Sight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xix-a-whale-in-sight) Commands the Forward with coolness during the storm, orders the whale hunt. ### [XX: Beechey Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xx-beechey-island) Determined to find coal at Beechey Island; devastated by the pillaged stores but resolves to push north. ### [The Death of Bellot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxi-the-death-of-bellot) Hatteras orders sail set despite crew hostility, pushes forward through Wellington Channel, and resolves to reach the open sea at any cost. ### [The First Signs of Mutiny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxii-the-first-signs-of-mutiny) Quells mutiny by threatening Pen with a revolver and ordering him in irons; continues driving the ship northward despite crew discontent. ### [Attacked by the Ice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiii-attacked-by-the-ice) Obsessively charts position and seeks the open polar sea; orders the ship onward despite growing peril; displays brilliant seamanship during the ice attack. ### [Preparations for Wintering](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiv-preparations-for-wintering) Resolves to face the terrible winter with energy; supervises all winter preparations and regulates life on board with caution. ### [One of James Ross’s Foxes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxv-one-of-james-ross-s-foxes) Ascends an iceberg to reconnoiter the surrounding plains, calculating the length of their imprisonment. ### [The Last Piece of Coal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvi-the-last-piece-of-coal) Remains stoic and unaffected by the extreme cold, walking the deck without extra clothing. He is indifferent to the crew's suffering and focuses on the expedition. ### [The Great Cold at Christmas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvii-the-great-cold-at-christmas) Hatteras struggles to maintain authority as the crew demands fuel; he nearly kills Pen with an axe but restrains himself; he refuses to burn the ship but eventually allows the crew to take wood; he weeps as the ship is dismantled. ### [Preparations for Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxviii-preparations-for-departure) Keeps the northward drift secret; feels joy at being 150 miles farther north; selects the expedition team and leaves Johnson in command. ### [Across the Ice-Fields](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxix-across-the-ice-fields) Leads the expedition across the ice-fields, remains determined and vigilant. ### [XXX: The Cairn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxx-the-cairn) Remains impassible and determined, insisting the party continue despite the loss of supplies and Simpson's illness. ### [The Death of Simpson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxxi-the-death-of-simpson) Hatteras is uneasy upon finding the document about the Porpoise, and he remains determined and stern throughout the journey, even as Simpson dies accusing him. ### [The Return to the Forward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxxii-the-return-to-the-forward) Decides to return to the ship after the failed expedition; discovers Altamont; finds the Forward burning and resolves to press on to the North Pole. ### [Part II: The Desert of Ice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/part-ii-the-desert-of-ice) Drives the expedition forward with relentless determination despite the growing danger. ### [The Doctor's Inventory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/i-the-doctor-s-inventory) Silent and contemplative after the explosion, still determined but deeply affected by the loss of his ship. ### [Altamont's First Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ii-altamont-s-first-words) Struggles with the decision to abandon his polar quest; hesitates and pleads for more time; finally asks his companions for their opinions. ### [III: Seventeen Days of Land Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iii-seventeen-days-of-land-journey) Leads the group toward the Porpoise, but grows anxious and suspicious of Altamont's intentions. ### [IV: The Last Charge of Powder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iv-the-last-charge-of-powder) Pushes the group forward despite exhaustion and hunger, insisting they must reach the Porpoise in three days. ### [The Seal and the Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/v-the-seal-and-the-bear) Disguises himself as a seal to hunt a polar bear, demonstrating his courage and resourcefulness. ### [The Porpoise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vi-the-porpoise) Leads the exploration of the Porpoise and the construction plans; shows scorn toward the American ship and Altamont. ### [A Discussion About Charts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vii-a-discussion-about-charts) Struggles to control his anger during the naming dispute; refuses to have his name on what he considers American soil. ### [Excursion to the North of Victoria Bay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/viii-excursion-to-the-north-of-victoria-bay) Stays behind to explore the coast and take bearings during the hunt. ### [Cold and Heat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ix-cold-and-heat) Hatteras steers the conversation toward the dangers of extreme cold, showing his focus on survival and the expedition's challenges. ### [X: The Pleasures of Winter-Quarters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/x-the-pleasures-of-winter-quarters) Pensive and lying on his bed, he rarely speaks to Altamont, and the doctor fears his rivalry with the American will lead to conflict. ### [Disquieting Traces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xi-disquieting-traces) Hatteras is determined to continue toward the North Pole, refuses to use American ship timbers for a boat, and holds a private meeting with the English crew to discuss plans without Altamont. ### [The Ice Prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xii-the-ice-prison) Leads the hunt and later defends the fort, showing determination and quick thinking with the hot poker. ### [The Mine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiii-the-mine) Commands the group, trusts the doctor's plan, and embraces him upon his return. ### [The Polar Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiv-the-polar-spring) Reluctantly agrees to use the American wreck for a launch after Clawbonny's persuasion, but remains suspicious and hostile toward Altamont. ### [XV: The Northwest Passage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xv-the-northwest-passage) Engages in a heated debate with Altamont over national exploration achievements, defending English explorers and asserting his captaincy. ### [XVI: Northern Arcadia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvi-northern-arcadia) Explores lands beyond Cape Washington, participates in the hunting trip, agrees to let the hares live. ### [Altamont's Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvii-altamont-s-revenge) Nearly killed by musk-oxen, saved by Altamont; reconciles with his rival and invites him to share the glory of the North Pole. ### [The Last Preparations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xviii-the-last-preparations) Hatteras is determined to start the journey on June 25th, hurrying preparations and showing impatience to leave New America. ### [The Journey Northward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xix-the-journey-northward) Leads the northward journey with determination, leaving behind mutiny and despair on the ship, now focused on reaching the Pole. ### [Footprints on the Snow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xx-footprints-on-the-snow) Filled with wrath at the prospect of rivals ahead; orders the party forward despite the troubling signs. ### [XXI: The Open Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxi-the-open-sea) Stands at the bow, gazing north with intense desire, hoping to find land at the Pole. ### [The Approach to the Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxii-the-approach-to-the-pole) Hatteras is the first to spot land and insists on sailing toward it, even as a storm and bears endanger the launch. ### [The English Flag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiii-the-english-flag) Lost overboard during the storm, presumed dead, but found alive on the shore of Queen Island, wrapped in the English flag. ### [Polar Cosmography](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiv-polar-cosmography) Proposes a toast to the North Pole, shows great nervous excitement, and remains absorbed in his own thoughts during the conversation. ### [Mount Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxv-mount-hatteras) Driven by polar madness, he insists on climbing the volcano to reach the exact Pole, and loses his reason after being saved. ### [Return to the South](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvi-return-to-the-south) Now mad, he lies unresponsive in the boat, a 'poor body without a mind,' accompanied by his dog Duke. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvii-conclusion) Now mad, lives at Starr Cottage, walking northward each day with his dog Duke. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/john_hatteras - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters