The Maid of Sker
The narrator and central figure, a fisherman from Sker.
Fisherman Davy a Fish Out of Water
The narrator and protagonist, an ancient fisherman from Glamorganshire, who is persuaded by his neighbors and a wealthy patron to write down the story of a curious adventure.
Hunger Drives Him A-Fishing
Narrator and protagonist; a grieving widower and former sailor, now a fisherman, who must provide for his granddaughter.
The Fish Are as Hungry as He Is
Narrator and fisherman, reflecting on his past and his luck at Sker.
He Lands an Unexpected Fish
The fisherman narrator, who catches a derelict boat and finds a sleeping child aboard.
V: A Little Orphan Mermaid
Davy discovers Bardie on the shore, cares for her, and decides to take her to the Sker-house. He reflects on his duty and providence.
Finds a Home of Some Sort
Narrates the chapter, brings Bardie to Moxy Thomas's home, reflects on his past with Moxy and the bleakness of Sker.
Boat Versus Bardie
Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his actions, justifies his possession of the boat, and plans to visit Bardie.
VIII: Children Will Be Children
Observes Bardie's playfulness, learns of her arrival at Sker, and decides to take her home for safekeeping.
IX: Sandhills Turned to Sand-Holes
Narrates the storm, recalls naval experiences, shows courage and concern for Bardie and Bunny.
Under the Rock
Observes the wreck of a slave ship, reflects on the storm, and searches for Bardie and Bunny, finding them safe.
XI: A Wrecker Wrecked
Narrator and protagonist; reluctantly follows Evan's orders while caring for Bardie and Bunny.
How to Sell Fish
The narrator and fish seller, who uses cunning and deceptive practices to sell his fish, reflecting on his skills and the public's ignorance.
The Coroner and the Coronet
Narrator and observer of the inquest; mistakes the dead child for Bardie, then discovers she is alive.
In Accordance with the Evidence
Foreman of the inquest jury; protects Bardie from being forced to view the dead baby; reflects bitterly on the miscarriage of justice.
A Verdict on the Jury
Serves as foreman of the first jury and remains present for the second inquest, comforting young Watkin and later playing a trick on Hezekiah Perkins.
XVI: Truth Lies Sometimes in a Well
Davy is the narrator, reflecting on his promise to play the violin at the Jolly Sailors and his unease from Evan Thomas's prophecy. He is cautious and proud, holding a grudge against Hezekiah for a past slight.
For a Little Change of Air
Davy cares for Bardie, brushes her hair, and decides to keep her despite the cost. He takes her to sea to escape the funeral.
XVIII: Public Approbation
Basks in public acclaim after the shipwreck, reflects on the newspaper accounts, and enjoys his new status at the Jolly Sailors.
XIX: A Craft Beyond the Law
Narrator and protagonist; secures the derelict boat, bribes witnesses, and reflects on his reputation and legal savvy.
Confidential Intercourse
Narrates the chapter, makes a doll for Bardie, and learns about her past through her play.
XXI: Cross-Examination
Davy is the narrator and subject of the cross-examination. He feels persecuted by Justice Stew but appreciates Sir Philip's gentlemanly conduct.
Another Disappointment
Reflects on his past and enjoys a quiet evening, but is interrupted by the justices. He offers to guide them across the sands and receives money from Sir Philip for Bardie and Bunny.
Sound Investments
Acts as trustee for Bunny and Bardie, invests their money in a fishing partnership, and reflects on his moral and financial duties.
A Long Goodbye
Narrator preparing to ship out with Captain Fuzzy, making his will and bidding farewell to Newton.
XXVI: Braunton Burrows
Davy serves as mate and helmsman, reflecting on his departure from Bardie and asserting discipline over the crew.
A Fine Spectacle
Narrates the chapter, attends Barnstaple fair, observes the two parsons.
XXVIII: Something About Him
Narrator and seeker of knowledge about Parson Chowne; uses storytelling to gain the trust of locals.
A Visit to a Parson
Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his own intelligence and superiority, travels to Parson Chowne's house, and agrees to spy on Sir Philip Bampfylde.
XXX: On Duty
Davy is frustrated by the delays in Barnstaple, keen to return home to Bardie and his parish duties, and takes on the role of watching Narnton Court for five shillings a week.
XXXI: Two Lovers
Narrator observing the lovers from his hidden punt, feeling uneasy about spying and recalling his own romantic past.
XXXII: Among the Savages
Narrates the chapter; reflects on his moral conflict, his interactions with Parson Chowne, and his attempts to reach Barnstaple Fair.
XXXIII: In a State of Nature
Narrator; observes Chowne's household, learns about Chowne's past, and is confronted by Chowne about a guinea.
Waiting and Learning
Returns to the Rose of Devon, finds the ketch laid up, and contemplates his situation.
The Polite Ferryman
Sets up a ferry service, advertises himself, and later fights with Parson Chowne.
Under Fairer Auspices
Visits Narnton Court to speak with Miss Isabel Carey, offers to serve her interests, and accepts a £5 note and a gun.
Two Poor Children
The narrator, who reflects on his own role and interactions with the French maid.
A Fine Old Gentleman
Davy narrates his ferry work, his thoughts on women, and his visit to Sir Philip to warn him about Stoyle Chowne.
Notice to Quit
Reflects on his failed ferry business, his admiration for Isabel Carey, and his determination to confront the spies who sabotaged his boat.
Forcible Ejectment
Narrator; reflects on his life, burns Chowne's property, hides from authorities.
XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place
Rejoins the Royal Navy as a gunnery instructor, quickly promoted to first instructor; reflects on his past and the war.
The Little Maid, and the Midshipman
Teaches sailing lessons, advises Rodney, and keeps his stabbed schoolbooks.
XLIII: A Fine Price for Bardie
Hosts a Sunday feast for Bardie and Bunny, contemplates leaving his home, and feigns drunkenness to uncover Hezekiah's scheme.
Provides for Education
Makes a new will, arranges education for Bunny and Delushy, confronts Justice Stew, and visits Colonel Lougher and Lady Bluett to secure Bardie's education.
XLV: Introduces a Real Hero
Narrates his experiences serving under Captain Nelson and his return to England after seven years.
After Seven Years
Narrates the journey and reunion with Heaviside; reflects on his own past and the Captain's sorrow.
Mischief in a Household
Narrates the chapter, recounts his escape from Chowne and his stay at Narnton Court, where he is summoned by Sir Philip to discuss Captain Bampfylde.
A Breathless Disinterment
Narrator and chief digger; leads the disinterment and identifies the dolls.
One Who Has Interred Himself
Davy narrates the chapter, describing his discovery of the dolls and hat, his audience with Sir Philip, and his reflections on home.
A Brave Man Runs Away
The narrator, now sixty years old, reflects on his popularity at Narnton Court and his decision to flee to avoid romantic entanglement with Polly Cockhanterbury.
Triple Education
Returns after seven years' absence and reclaims credit for Bardie's education; receives his saved pay from Master Berkrolles.
Great March of Intellect
Reflects on generational decline, kicks dissenters, receives a letter from Captain Bampfylde offering a master's berth, and joins a boating party.
Beating Up for the Navy
Now Master aboard the Bellona, Davy is tasked with a recruiting cruise and recounts his successful impressment of Parson Chowne's savage colony and others.
Taming of the Savages
Davy advises Captain Bampfylde on taming the new hands, takes pity on Hezekiah, and personally grooms and cares for the wild boy Harry.
LV: Upon Foreign Service
Narrates the chapter, reflects on the war, his service, and the secret wedding.
Exiles of Society
Narrates the chapter; describes the fleet, the battle, and his journey with the cannibals; encounters Parson Chowne.
Many Weak Moments
Recovering from illness, cared for by Colonel Lougher and Bardie; reflects on his weak state and the harsh winter.
LVIII: More Haste, Less Speed
Narrates his naval service as Master of the Excellent and later on the Goliath, leading the inshore squadron under Captain Troubridge.
Nelson and the Nile
Master of the Goliath; provides a first-hand account of the Battle of the Nile, claiming credit for the stratagem to turn the enemy's line.
LXI: A Savage Deed
Narrates the chapter; wounded in battle, loses his left arm, and reflects on the battle's events.
LXII: A Rash Young Captain
Recovering from his wound, Davy receives Captain Bluett and plans to use Jack Wildman's confession to clear Sir Philip Bampfylde's name.
Polly at Home
Visits Polly, courts her, and shares his plan for a discovery.
LXV: So Does Poor Old Davy
Defends his honor against Colonel Lougher's accusations, retrieves Bardie's jemmyset from Sker, and tows the old boat across the channel.
LXVI: The Maid at Last Is 'Dentified'
Arranges the reunion of Delushy with Sir Philip, presenting evidence of her identity.
Dog Eats Dog
Narrates the chapter, accompanies Rodney Bluett to confront Chowne, and expresses reluctance and fear.
The Old Pitcher at the Well Again
Reflects on Chowne's death and provides moral commentary, recalling his earlier prediction about Chowne's fate.
