# Jack Martin — The Coral Island character guide > Jack Martin in The Coral Island by R. M. Ballantyne. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Jack, Whereupon Jack **First appearance:** 0001-the-coral-island ## Snapshot A tall, broad-shouldered eighteen-year-old with a good education and a lion's courage, Jack becomes the natural leader the castaways lean on when everything goes wrong. ## Who they are Jack is Ralph's first friend aboard ship and the eldest of the three boys, a general favourite whose firm, good-humoured face and quiet disposition mask decisive action. He takes charge without fuss, whether showing a new messmate his berth or sizing up a black flag on the horizon, and his calm is the counterweight to Peterkin's mischief and Ralph's wonder. The island's early survival—and the boys' first taste of real danger—rests on his judgment. ## Relationships ### [Peterkin Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/peterkin_gay) _friendship_ Jack and Peterkin are close companions and fellow castaways, sharing adventures and relying on each other for survival. ### [Ralph Rover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/ralph_rover) _friendship_ Jack and Ralph are loyal friends and co-leaders among the castaways, with Jack often taking a protective role. ### [Avatea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/avatea) _friendship_ Avatea and Jack share a bond of mutual respect and protection, as Jack helps rescue her from captivity. ### [Tararo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/tararo) _rivalry_ Jack and Tararo are adversaries, with Tararo as a hostile island chief opposing Jack and his friends. ### [Missionary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/missionary) _friendship_ Jack and the Missionary share a respectful alliance, working together to spread peace and Christianity. ### [The Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/the_captain) _rivalry_ Jack and The Captain are direct enemies, with Jack leading efforts to thwart the Captain's violent schemes. ### [Peterkin Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/peterkin_gay) _friendship_ Jack and Peterkin are close companions and fellow castaways, sharing adventures and relying on each other for survival. ### [Peterkin Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/peterkin_gay) _friendship_ Jack and Peterkin are close companions and fellow castaways, sharing adventures and relying on each other for survival. ### [Ralph Rover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/ralph_rover) _friendship_ Jack and Ralph are loyal friends and co-leaders among the castaways, with Jack often taking a protective role. ### [Avatea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/avatea) _friendship_ Avatea and Jack share a bond of mutual respect and protection, as Jack helps rescue her from captivity. ### [Tararo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/tararo) _rivalry_ Jack and Tararo are adversaries, with Tararo as a hostile island chief opposing Jack and his friends. ### [Missionary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/missionary) _friendship_ Jack and the Missionary share a respectful alliance, working together to spread peace and Christianity. ## In the story ### [The Coral Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/the-coral-island) Practical and resourceful; takes the lead in building shelter and organizing tasks. ### [The Departure—The Sea—My Companions—Some Account of the Wonderful Sights We Saw on the Great Deep—A Dreadful Storm and a Frightful Wreck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/ii) A tall, strong, good-humored youth of eighteen who becomes Ralph's messmate and friend, and who takes charge during the wreck, suggesting they cling to an oar. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/iii) Explains the shipwreck and crew's escape; takes a serious view of their predicament. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/iv) Shows leadership and resourcefulness; retrieves the axe from the oar, suggests exploring the wreck site, and identifies edible berries and coconuts. ### [Morning, and cogitations connected therewith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/v) Awakens with energy, swims and dives expertly, collects oysters, plans for the day. ### [An Excursion into the Interior](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/vi) Leads the expedition, carries the axe, identifies the breadfruit tree, discovers the cut stump and squared wood. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/vii) Leads the construction of the log fishing platform and bravely fights off a shark with his paddle. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/viii) Expert diver and leader; identifies the candlenut tree, makes a bow, and reveals he has heard the strange cry before. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/ix) Leads the expedition, carries an axe, investigates the waterspouts and the pale object in the water. ### [Discoveries and a Peculiar Murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/x) Identifies the banyan tree and the chestnut tree with buttresses, attempts to shoot a pig with his bow, and tests the wood of the chestnut tree. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xi) Identifies the penguins, discusses coral island formation, and shoots an arrow at the cat. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xii) Offers practical advice on maintaining the tank; builds a little boat with Peterkin. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xiii) Dives to investigate the green light, discovers the Diamond Cave, and leads the exploration. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xiv) Explains the tides philosophically, strategizes the pig hunt by driving the herd, and helps carry the dead sow. ### [Boat-building extraordinary—Peterkin tries his hand at cookery and fails most signally—The boat finished—Curious conversation with the cat, and other matters.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xv) Jack applies himself tirelessly to boat-building, overcoming obstacles with ingenuity, and announces the boat's completion. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xvi) Leads the boat construction, devises the false keel, and makes a brass fishhook from his ring. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xvii) Leads the boat trip and makes observations about the penguins; jokes with Peterkin. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xviii) Takes command during the storm, steers the boat to safety, and directs the group's efforts. ### [Shoemaking—The even tenor of our way suddenly interrupted—An unexpected visit and an appalling battle—We all become warriors, and Jack proves himself be a hero.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xix) Leads the attack on the cannibals, leaping from a cliff and felling one savage. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xx) Leads interactions with the savages, prevents cannibalism, and orchestrates the burial of the slain. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxi) Proposes diving to reconnoiter, leads the escape to the Diamond Cave, and encourages Peterkin. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxii) Mentioned as one of Ralph's companions left on the island. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxvii) Mentioned by Ralph as one of his dear old comrades he hopes to reunite with on Coral Island. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxix) Reunites with Ralph, expresses his sorrow at Ralph's disappearance, and agrees to the plan to rescue Avatea. He shows courage and leadership. ### [The Voyage to Mango and the Missionary's Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxx) Leads the council of war and decides to approach the Christian village on Mango. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxxi) Leads the group ashore unarmed, insists on witnessing the temple rites, and resolves to risk his life to save Avatea. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxxii) Leads the rescue plan, defies Tararo by seizing Avatea and challenging the natives. ### [The Flight – The Pursuit – Despair and its Results – The Lion Bearded in his Den Again – Awful Danger Threatened and Wonderfully Averted – A Terrific Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxxiii) Leads the escape, defiantly confronts Tararo, and regrets his temper after capture. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxxiv) Comforts Peterkin in prison; speaks with Tararo and Avatea's lover after release. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/chapters/xxxv) Participates in the consultation about delaying departure. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters/jack_martin - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_coral_island_se/characters