# Johnson — The Adventures of Captain Hatteras character guide > Johnson in The Adventures of Captain Hatteras by Jules Verne. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Boatswain Johnson, old Johnson, Powder Johnson **First appearance:** 0001-i-the-forward ## Snapshot The Forward's veteran boatswain, weathered, unflappable, and loyal to the end, the kind of sailor every doomed expedition wishes it had. ## Who they are 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: experienced enough to name a peril honestly, calm enough to face it without drama. His loyalty is not blind, but it is absolute, and it survives shipwreck, mutiny, and worse. He matters because he embodies the quiet competence that keeps the expedition moving when leadership falters. ## Relationships ### [Dr. Clawbonny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/dr_clawbonny) _friendship_ Clawbonny and Johnson share a warm, respectful friendship as shipmates, with Johnson often acting as a steady, experienced ally. ### [John Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/john_hatteras) _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) _professional_ Johnson and Shandon have a professional relationship as shipmates, but Johnson remains loyal to Hatteras while Shandon becomes mutinous. ### [Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/bell) _friendship_ Bell and Johnson are friendly shipmates, working together cooperatively on the ship and during the Arctic journey. ### [Altamont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/altamont) _professional_ Altamont and Johnson interact as fellow crew members, with Johnson maintaining a cautious but professional demeanor toward the American rival. ### [Dr. Clawbonny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/dr_clawbonny) _friendship_ Clawbonny and Johnson share a warm, respectful friendship as shipmates, with Johnson often acting as a steady, experienced ally. ### [John Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/john_hatteras) _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_ Clawbonny and Johnson share a warm, respectful friendship as shipmates, with Johnson often acting as a steady, experienced ally. ### [Richard Shandon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/richard_shandon) _professional_ Johnson and Shandon have a professional relationship as shipmates, but Johnson remains loyal to Hatteras while Shandon becomes mutinous. ### [John Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/john_hatteras) _professional_ Hatteras is the captain and Johnson is his loyal boatswain, with a professional bond built on mutual respect and duty. ### [Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/bell) _friendship_ Bell and Johnson are friendly shipmates, working together cooperatively on the ship and during the Arctic journey. ### [Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/bell) _friendship_ Bell and Johnson are friendly shipmates, working together cooperatively on the ship and during the Arctic journey. ## In the story ### [The Forward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/i-the-forward) Boatswain who reportedly showed the dog captain to a young sailor. ### [Dr. Clawbonny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iii-dr-clawbonny) Boatswain; an invaluable veteran of Arctic voyages who helps recruit the crew. ### [The Dog-Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iv-the-dog-captain) Boatswain who advises Shandon to prepare for departure and anchor beyond Birkenhead Point; helps with preparations. ### [At Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/v-at-sea) The boatswain expresses his love for the sea and supports the doctor's views; a seasoned Arctic sailor. ### [VI: The Great Polar Current](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vi-the-great-polar-current) Points out the floating mahogany tree and suggests hauling it aboard for examination. ### [VII: The Entrance of Davis Strait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vii-the-entrance-of-davis-strait) The experienced boatswain shares his knowledge of ice navigation and expresses curiosity about the unknown captain. ### [The Talk of the Crew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/viii-the-talk-of-the-crew) Stands with Shandon on the forward deck, assisting in navigation through ice. ### [Another Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ix-another-letter) Advises against revealing the letter to the crew, fearing it will harm morale. ### [X: Dangerous Sailing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/x-dangerous-sailing) Part of the shore party to Upernavik; assists in the visit to the Eskimo settlement. ### [Captain Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xii-captain-hatteras) Boatswain at the helm; stoically observes the mutiny and the ice crisis. ### [The Captain's Plans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiii-the-captain-s-plans) Expresses full support for Hatteras, assists with lighting the mine, and helps navigate the Forward through the ice passage. ### [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) Mentioned as the boatswain who was an eyewitness to Lieutenant Bellot's death. ### [XV: The Forward Driven Southward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xv-the-forward-driven-southward) Accompanies the doctor and Hatteras ashore at Leopold Harbor, and shares memories of Lieutenant Bellot. ### [The Magnetic Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvi-the-magnetic-pole) The boatswain accompanies the doctor ashore, helps with the magnetic experiments, and expresses hope that Hatteras will reach the North Pole. ### [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) The doctor resumes a talk with him before addressing the crew about Franklin. ### [A Whale in Sight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xix-a-whale-in-sight) Steers the whaleboat and cuts the line to save the crew from the crushing icebergs. ### [XX: Beechey Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xx-beechey-island) Former quartermaster on the Phoenix; guides the party to the storehouses and identifies the tombs of Franklin's sailors. ### [The Death of Bellot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxi-the-death-of-bellot) Johnson tearfully recounts the death of Lieutenant Bellot, describing how Bellot was swept away by the ice while trying to reach Captain Pullen. ### [The First Signs of Mutiny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxii-the-first-signs-of-mutiny) Assists in disarming Pen and reassures the doctor of Hatteras's eventual success. ### [Attacked by the Ice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiii-attacked-by-the-ice) Warns the doctor of the peril; describes the ice attack as one of the greatest dangers yet encountered. ### [Preparations for Wintering](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiv-preparations-for-wintering) Assists Hatteras with his experience; takes extra precautions for warmth and oversees the construction of snow walls and staircases. ### [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) Hunts with the doctor and Bell, discusses fuel concerns, and carries the fox back to the ship. ### [The Last Piece of Coal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvi-the-last-piece-of-coal) Assists with clearing the water-hole and notes the ice thickness. He converses with the doctor about Hatteras's resilience. ### [The Great Cold at Christmas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvii-the-great-cold-at-christmas) Johnson improvises fuel from marine animal fat and spirits of wine; he suggests burning less important parts of the ship; he supports Hatteras during the confrontation with Pen. ### [Preparations for Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxviii-preparations-for-departure) Prepares the sledge and equipment; is left in command of the Forward by Hatteras, who trusts him to watch the crew. ### [The Return to the Forward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxxii-the-return-to-the-forward) Found alone near the burning Forward; reports that the crew mutinied and set the ship on fire. ### [Part II: The Desert of Ice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/part-ii-the-desert-of-ice) Supports the captain and crew with practical seamanship and steady loyalty. ### [The Doctor's Inventory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/i-the-doctor-s-inventory) Assists the doctor in searching for supplies, helps build the ice house, remains loyal and practical. ### [Altamont's First Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ii-altamont-s-first-words) Recounts the mutiny and burning of the Forward; urges immediate departure and provides a clear account of the crew's actions. ### [III: Seventeen Days of Land Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iii-seventeen-days-of-land-journey) Helps repair the sledge, discusses ice resistance with the doctor, and butchers the seal. ### [IV: The Last Charge of Powder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/iv-the-last-charge-of-powder) Notices the bear following them and becomes delirious with hunger, but is revived by the doctor's plan. ### [The Seal and the Bear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/v-the-seal-and-the-bear) Helps skin the bear and shares the doctor's concerns about Altamont's intentions. ### [The Porpoise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vi-the-porpoise) Assists in surveying the ship and building the shelter; provides practical support and commentary. ### [A Discussion About Charts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/vii-a-discussion-about-charts) Honored by having an island named after him; supports Hatteras but remains silent during the argument. ### [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) Praises the doctor's ingenuity and helps with the lighthouse construction. ### [Cold and Heat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/ix-cold-and-heat) Johnson asks practical questions about temperature and survival, showing his concern for the crew's well-being. ### [X: The Pleasures of Winter-Quarters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/x-the-pleasures-of-winter-quarters) The old sailor agrees with the doctor about the difficulties of reconciling Hatteras and Altamont. He enjoys dreaming of warm climates and is eager for bedtime. ### [Disquieting Traces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xi-disquieting-traces) Johnson is present during the private meeting and questions the presence of the American, but supports Hatteras's plans. ### [The Ice Prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xii-the-ice-prison) Remains at Fort Providence, guards the house, and reflects on the captain's patriotism. ### [The Mine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiii-the-mine) Assists with the mine setup, pulls the cord to trigger the bait, and expresses enthusiasm for the doctor's plan. ### [The Polar Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xiv-the-polar-spring) Regrets the burned skins but remains cheerful; helps repair the house after the bear attack and keeps the dogs safe from wolves. ### [XV: The Northwest Passage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xv-the-northwest-passage) Supports the doctor's mediation and recalls his own experience aboard the Phoenix with Captain Inglefield. ### [XVI: Northern Arcadia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvi-northern-arcadia) Works on building the launch; Johnson Island is named after him. ### [Altamont's Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xvii-altamont-s-revenge) At Fort Providence with Bell, welcomes the returning party and shakes Altamont's hand. ### [The Last Preparations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xviii-the-last-preparations) Johnson helps repair the sledge and comments on the bear's strength during the trial trip. ### [The Journey Northward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xix-the-journey-northward) Comments on the value of a good meal during expeditions, sharing a lighthearted exchange with the doctor. ### [Footprints on the Snow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xx-footprints-on-the-snow) Expresses concern about finding the 'place taken'; helps secure the tent during the storm and later comments on the fog. ### [XXI: The Open Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxi-the-open-sea) Helps prepare the launch and takes the helm as they sail north. ### [The Approach to the Pole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxii-the-approach-to-the-pole) Johnson notes the changing wind and helps bail water from the launch during the storm. ### [The English Flag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiii-the-english-flag) Rows with Bell during the search, helps set up camp, and signs the discovery document. ### [Polar Cosmography](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxiv-polar-cosmography) Asks practical questions about the Pole's significance and the flattening of the Earth, showing curiosity but remaining half-convinced. ### [Mount Hatteras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxv-mount-hatteras) Expresses concern and later shares in the distress at Hatteras's madness. ### [Return to the South](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvi-return-to-the-south) Assists in preparations and shares in the despair and exhaustion of the return journey. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/chapters/xxvii-conclusion) Survives the ordeal and returns to Liverpool with the others. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_adventures_of_captain_hatteras_se/characters/johnson - 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