Harry Feversham

Ethne Eustace

Ethne and Harry are engaged, but their relationship is strained by Harry's perceived cowardice and his subsequent quest for redemption.

Durrance

Durrance sees Harry as a rival for Ethne's affection, and their interactions are marked by tension and unspoken competition.

Lieutenant Sutch

Sutch is a loyal and supportive friend to Harry, offering guidance and encouragement throughout Harry's trials.

Colonel Trench

Trench is a fellow officer and friend who initially doubts Harry but later comes to respect his bravery and dedication.

General Feversham

General Feversham is Harry's father, and their relationship is strained by the General's disappointment in Harry's choices.

Mrs. Adair

Harry and Mrs. Adair share a cordial friendship, with Mrs. Adair showing sympathy for Harry's situation.

Abou Fatma

Abou Fatma is a loyal companion and guide to Harry during his time in the desert, forming a bond of mutual respect.

Ethne Eustace

Ethne and Harry are engaged, but their relationship is strained by Harry's perceived cowardice and his subsequent quest for redemption.

Durrance

Durrance sees Harry as a rival for Ethne's affection, and their interactions are marked by tension and unspoken competition.

Lieutenant Sutch

Sutch is a loyal and supportive friend to Harry, offering guidance and encouragement throughout Harry's trials.

Durrance

Durrance sees Harry as a rival for Ethne's affection, and their interactions are marked by tension and unspoken competition.

Colonel Trench

Trench is a fellow officer and friend who initially doubts Harry but later comes to respect his bravery and dedication.

Acknowledgments

The character is noted as being developed from a previously published short story.

The Four Feathers

The protagonist, who resigns his commission and is branded a coward by his peers and fiancée. He is tormented by his decision and the shame it brings.

I: A Crimean Night

The general's son, listens to war stories with intense fascination and fear, revealing a sensitive and anxious nature.

II: Captain Trench and a Telegram

Receives a telegram that deeply unsettles him, burns it, and announces his engagement to Ethne Eustace.

III: The Last Ride Together

Rides with Durrance for the last time, reveals his resignation from the army and his engagement to Ethne.

IV: The Ball at Lennon House

Arrives in Ramelton, haunted by his secret shame; receives the white feathers and confesses his cowardice to Ethne.

The Pariah

Feversham watches Ethne with despair, feeling the four feathers burning at his breast. He waits to see Dermod, showing a semblance of courage, and is struck by Ethne's words about suffering.

VI: Harry Feversham’s Plan

Appears in London, visibly disturbed, confesses his disgrace and plans to leave England.

VIII: Lieutenant Sutch Is Tempted to Lie

Though absent, his mysterious disappearance and the broken engagement are central to the chapter's events.

At Glenalla

Though absent, his shadow looms over the chapter. Ethne's fear of ruining his career and Dermod's inquiry keep his memory alive.

X: The Wells of Obak

Disguised as an Arab, he waits at Obak and then ventures into Berber, battling fear and despair but driven by a sense of honor and love for Ethne.

XI: Durrance Hears News of Feversham

Mentioned as the subject of Dermod's last words and the object of Durrance's lingering resentment.

XV: The Story of the First Feather

His past actions and motivations are recounted, including his confession to Ethne and his bravery in the Sudan.

XVI: Captain Willoughby Retires

His brave actions in the Sudan are recounted by Willoughby, revealing his redemption.

XVII: The 'Melusine Overture'

Though not present, his story and actions are central; Ethne reflects on his bravery and sacrifice, and Durrance reveals he saw him playing a zither in Wadi Halfa.

XVIII: The Answer to the Overture

Mentioned as having been seen at Wadi Halfa and then heading south into enemy territory.

XIX: Mrs. Adair Intervenes

Though absent, his message and token are the catalyst for the chapter's events.

XX: East and West

Captured and tormented by the enemy, he clings to his disguise and endures torture with surprising composure, focused on his mission and the hope of redemption.

XXI: Ethne Makes Another Slip

Mentioned as being in Omdurman, possibly as his own go-between to rescue Trench.

XXII: Durrance Lets His Cigar Go Out

Though absent, Feversham is the central subject of Durrance's inquiries; his past actions and current atonement are the focus of the chapter.

Lieutenant Sutch Comes Off the Half-Pay List

Though absent, his redemption is the central topic; his act of recovering the Gordon letters is celebrated by Sutch.

General Feversham’s Portraits Are Appeased

His bravery and imprisonment are recounted by Durrance, leading to his father's reconciliation.

The House of Stone

Delirious and near death, he is brought into the prison. His ramblings reveal his journey of redemption and suffering, including the return of the feathers and his desert ordeal.

XXVIII: Plans of Escape

Recovers from delirium and begins planning escape with Trench. Reflects on his past and the white feather given by Ethne.

XXIX: Colonel Trench Assumes a Knowledge of Chemistry

Nurses Trench through typhus, sacrifices his escape opportunity, and remains steadfast in hope.

XXX: The Last of the Southern Cross

Reflects on the end of his six-year mission, feeling loss and despair, but continues the escape.

XXXI: Feversham Returns to Ramelton

Returns to Ramelton after years in the Sudan, changed by his trials, now self-possessed and without diffidence.

XXXII: In the Church at Glenalla

Listens to Ethne's words with deep emotion, feeling his years of suffering have been redeemed. He accepts her decision to part, understanding her reasons and feeling remorse for the unhappiness he has caused.

XXXIII: Ethne Again Plays the “Melusine Overture”

Mentioned as having returned and met Ethne, but not present in the chapter.

XXXIV: The End

Mentioned as having finished the sixth chapter of his war history and planning to visit Broad Place with Ethne.