# Mr. Van Wyk — The End of the Tether character guide

> Mr. Van Wyk in The End of the Tether by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Van Wyk, XII Mr. Van Wyk

**First appearance:** 0001-ii

## Snapshot

A wealthy, reclusive planter up the river who befriends Captain Whalley and finds his disinterested regard tested by other men's schemes.

## Who they are

Van Wyk lives apart from the coast's commercial scramble, and his affection for Whalley is the closest thing to intimacy in his life. When Sterne corners him with hints that the captain's game is up, Van Wyk feels a loathsome dismay at this queer privilege of friendship but conceals his scorn. His practical instinct and tenacious loyalty make him the one outsider who might see the truth whole.

## Relationships

### [Captain Whalley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/captain_whalley)

_friendship_

Van Wyk is a kind and generous friend who offers Whalley financial and moral support, recognizing his dignity and plight.

### [Mr. Sterne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/mr_sterne)

_professional_

Sterne attempts to ingratiate himself with Van Wyk, seeking an ally against Massy while hiding his own manipulative motives.

### [Sir Frederick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/sir_frederick)

_social_

Van Wyk and Sir Frederick are acquaintances in the colonial business community, with occasional polite dealings.

### [Captain Whalley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/captain_whalley)

_friendship_

Van Wyk is a kind and generous friend who offers Whalley financial and moral support, recognizing his dignity and plight.

### [Mr. Sterne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/mr_sterne)

_professional_

Sterne attempts to ingratiate himself with Van Wyk, seeking an ally against Massy while hiding his own manipulative motives.

### [Captain Whalley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/captain_whalley)

_friendship_

Van Wyk is a kind and generous friend who offers Whalley financial and moral support, recognizing his dignity and plight.

### [Sir Frederick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/sir_frederick)

_social_

Van Wyk and Sir Frederick are acquaintances in the colonial business community, with occasional polite dealings.

### [Mr. Sterne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/mr_sterne)

_professional_

Sterne attempts to ingratiate himself with Van Wyk, seeking an ally against Massy while hiding his own manipulative motives.

## In the story

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/chapters/xi)

Van Wyk hails the ship from his jetty, asking about mail, and is answered by Sterne.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/chapters/xii)

The white planter of Batu Beru, an ex-naval officer turned hermit, who develops a warm friendship with Captain Whalley, appreciating his nobility and simplicity.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/chapters/xiii)

Learns of Whalley's blindness and is disgusted by Sterne's blackmail plot. He devises a plan to protect Whalley by taking a passage on the Sofala and using the Serang's competence to keep Whalley in command.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/chapters/xiv)

Discusses Whalley's death with the lawyer, expressing sorrow and noting Whalley's indestructible appearance.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters/mr_van_wyk
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_end_of_the_tether_se/characters