The Fur Country · Character

Corporal Joliffe

A talkative, superstitious corporal whom Captain Craventy sends every curious guest to consult, and whose gossip carries the fort's whole mood.

supporting

Also known as Joliffe, Corporal, the imprudent Corporal Joliffe

First appearance: A Factory

As a supporting figure in The Fur Country, Corporal Joliffe is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The busy bee of the party, acting as majordomo; he is guided by his wife Mrs.

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Joliffe is the social lubricant of Fort Reliance: when the captain is asked about the fête, his answer is simply 'Ask Joliffe,' and Joliffe has a gracious word for everybody. Yet his superstitious streak and loose tongue make him a liability as much as an asset among men bound for the far north. He and his wife are named among those who will face experiences no human foresight could anticipate, which lends his cheerfulness an uneasy edge.

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Character Web

11 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Expedition Core Team
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Lieutenant Hobson reaches an emotional and psychological peak o…

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In the story

Corporal Joliffe appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Soiree at Fort Reliance
The busy bee of the party, acting as majordomo; he is guided by his wife Mrs. Joliffe and is in charge of the evening's details.
II: The Hudson’s Bay Fur Company
Announces and prepares the punch with Mrs. Joliffe's assistance, lighting it on the Captain's command.
A Savant Thawed
Helps rub Black with snow and provides punch for revival.
A Factory
A busybody who exerts himself without tangible results; his wife is noted as useful and devoted.
From Fort Reliance to Fort Enterprise
Drives recklessly ahead of the caravan, arguing with his wife about the slope, ignoring Hobson's orders.
A Wapiti Duel
Imprudently handles the reins of the sledges during the difficult thaw conditions.
Along the Coast
Mentions his preference for game and comments on the uncertainty of hunting bears.
XII: The Midnight Sun
Inquires about settling at Cape Bathurst and is reminded of double pay.
Mercury Freezes
Mentioned as part of the colony; present at the Christmas celebration.
Five Months More
Tasked with protecting the new sprouts from birds and rodents.
A Floating Fort
Asks about the latitude and double pay, satisfied by Hobson's reassurance.
V: From July 25th to August 20th
Teaches baby Michael soldierly duties; tends the garden with Mrs. Joliffe; looks forward to guard duty.
A Communication from Lieutenant Hobson
Takes pride in having helped care for baby Michael, feeling partly responsible for his weight.
The Breakup of the Ice
Desperately defends his wife's garden plot from rodents and ruminants, refusing to abandon it despite the imminent departure.

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